Although racism is on the decline in professional football, it is unfortunately on the increase in British and indeed European society.

Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racist charity which was established in January 1996 with the aim of using Professional footballers as anti-racist role models. The aim of its campaign is to combat racism through anti-racist education and professional footballers are showing the way in terms of making a stand and fighting racism.

The campaign has been able to involve hundreds of top footballers and managers, and has harnessed the high profile of these role models to combat racism.

Resources for Schools

Show Racism the Red Card have produced a series of excellent educational resources. These include videos, DVDs and Education Packs. The charity is keen to involve itself within the British education system and this year, it held a special school’s competition.

Pupils were asked to produce a piece of visual artwork, poem, short story or video against racism, with the winner receiving unique prizes from an array of footballers at a special awards ceremony. The winning entry became a part of the Show Racism the Red Card video/DVD, which is 20 minutes long and conveys a powerful anti-racist message through the medium of professional football.

It covers new ground in anti-racist education and is suitable for broad range of age groups. The video/DVD features interviews with some of the most popular footballers currently in the game and is accompanied by a new education pack with ideas and activities suitable for a broad age range, from Primary to Secondary schools.

Regionally, Show Racism the Red card delivers anti-racism workshops in schools and youth groups in the North East. This programme has run since 2004 and is a great success, we have already worked with over 10,000 young people in the region.

The campaign’s aim is to combine football training run by ex-Sunderland Captain Gary Bennett with anti-racist education delivered by ex-Sunderland footballer Kieron Brady. The programme includes films; featuring footballers as anti-racist role models, quizzes, group work, role-play and discussion.

Campaign Aims:

• To familiarize young people with a range of facts and skills that will enable them to challenge racism

• To increase young peoples understanding of issues of diversity and identity, their rights and responsibilities

• To promote young peoples involvement as active and responsible citizens in a growing multiracial
society.