FAI County Carlow Marks Football Against Racism Week
Holy Family Boys National School Askea held a Show Racism the Red Card interactive classroom and pitch workshop to mark Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) Week.
During the event, the students participated in an interactive workshop with FAI Development Officer Garry Coady which was then followed by an outdoor football session with an emphasis on putting into practice what was learnt in the class (inclusion, communication, respect, fair play etc…) All of the players wore Bibs with the slogan ‘United Against Racism’, as well as ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ wrist bands.Holy Family Boys National School Askea was among over 100 clubs, group, organisations – including schools, football clubs and community organisations – from throughout Ireland who are taking part in FARE Week 2014. The week is an initiative of the FARE network www.farenet.org supported by UEFA across Europe and is supported in Ireland by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).The initiative ran from 9th to 23rd October, and saw thousands of events taking place across Europe to highlight anti-racism messages and celebrate diversity. FARE Week 2014.Both the Carlow and District Juveniles League and the Carlow & District Football League lent a hand during the week with promoting the “Show Racism the Red Card” programme at their inter league coaching sessions with players wearing the Bibs with the slogan “United Against Racism” and both leagues using their social media sites to help spread the word.
Milltown United FC, in Myshall as part of their FAI Soccer Sisters Halloween Camp promoted the SRTRC programme with all girls wearing the specific wristbands and their coaches wearing the SRTRC bibs. The football activities were always based around the topic of inclusion for all players regardless of race, religion, colour or nationalitySt Fiaccs National School in Graiguecullen will take part in the programme during November as it will link it with their “Anti – Bullying” week of events from Monday 17th – Friday 21st November 2014.Speaking at the FARE event / FAI Halloween Soccer Sisters Camp in the Myshall Community Centre, John Kavanagh coach and committee member of Milltown United FC said: “While football can be divisive, it is also incredibly powerful in uniting people and breaking down barriers. Now that Ireland is a multicultural society, we need to encourage children and adults to grow their understanding of the many new communities now represented amongst our neighbours, schools and workmates. Because football is such a widely played and supported game, it is a critical tool in preventing racism and growing better cultural understanding.”According to FAI Development Officer Garry Coady, “FARE Week is a great opportunity to use the power of football to bring people together, make a stand against discrimination and promote respect for diversity in football and in society. The events that are taking place during FARE Week serve not only to promote the anti-racism message, but also to expose football fans to new ways of becoming involved in promoting diversity at community level on an ongoing basis.Over the last 5 years a huge number of clubs; schools, youth groups and others have taken time to support FARE Week in Ireland by organising a wide range of activities, including friendly matches, football blitz events and competitions. In 2014 we look forward to the ongoing support of the football and wider community to mark FARE Week the FAI and Show Racism the Red Card would like to congratulate Holy Family Boys National School Askea and Milltown United FC for becoming involved in FARE Week 2014, and we look forward to once again working with St Fiaccs National School and supporting them during their Anti – Bullying week in November”
