Navan School Show Racism the Red Card

Drogheda United and Show Racism the Red Card received an enthusiastic greeting from the pupils at Oliver Plunkett’s National School, Navan, Co Meath in a lively interactive session as part of the school intercultural festival.October 23rd saw the second day of the Intercultural Festival at Oliver Plunkett’s NS in Navan. Show Racism the Red Card visited the school with Drogheda United star players Shane Barrett and Declan O’ Brien. Stephen Ojo from Eagleswing FC Drogheda organised a football tournament for the youngsters.The school has more than 600 pupils from 30 nations across five continents. The EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers and the school organised this as the schools third festival which aims to create greater intercultural understanding.When Show Racism the Red Card came to the school on the second day, the various activities were evident in the art work on the walls and various other pieces.There was a travellers wagon, Brazilian drummer and lots of other activities on the first day.On the second day, Stephen Ojo organised a football tournament for all classes and then at 11 am, almost 400 pupils crowded into the school hall for a joint presentation of Show Racism the Red Card and Drogheda United.The Show Racism the Red Card DVD was shown and pupils were given the opportunity to ask a panel including Drogs captain Declan O’ Brien, Shane Barrett and Stephen Ojo. We revealed to the students that Stephen had been a professional footballer and asked him about his careerDeclan O’Brien was asked who his favourite team are to which he stated the obvious- Drogheda United. Shane Barrett was: ‘Well I am from Meath, so I guess Meath is my favourite team’. The audience went wild with appreciation.There were also serious questions from the young people including a question as to how racism began, to which Stephen Ojo answered. The players stayed for a while to chat to pupils informally and have their photos taken. Pupils from the finalist teams in the tournament were presented with medals brought by Drogheda United’s Club Promotion Officer. Every pupil in the school received a Drogheda United Show Racism the Red Card poster.Overall, this was a hugely enjoyable event combining fun and conversation with a serious message. Activities for the event were supported by the school, by the local sports partnership and the local district league. It is a great way to introduce Show Racism the Red Card to a school. Our DVD education pack will be an ongoing resource in the new year.