Asians urged to get involved in football
TELEVISION football pundit, Robbie Earle, is just one of the names to feature on a brand new FA Advisory Group which will help spearhead Soho Square’s Get into Football campaign for ethnic communities.The former Wimbledon and Jamaica international will sit on the Race Equality Advisory Group which aims to boost football participation in Asian and other minority areas around the country.
FA Equality Manager, Lucy Faulkner, commented: “The group was formed following last year’s structural review and, as well as advising the main FA Board, they’ll also have a representative sitting on The FA’s Council.
“The Race Equality Advisory Group will also concentrate on issues such as the handling of discrimination cases and the best practice in recruiting new employees from diverse backgrounds.”
Joining Robbie Earle on the Race Equality Advisory Group are Butch Fazal who chairs the National Asians in Football Forum, Lord Herman Ouseley from leading anti-racism charity, Kick It Out and FA Football for All ambassador, Lorraine Deschamps.
Lord Herman believes that the REAG can help implement three key changes that will help direct football’s future: “We want to see a real will and commitment to address the issue of the under representation of Asians within the game from playing and officiating to spectating and administrating.
“I’d also like to see all clubs show a determined drive and will towards equality of opportunity and the eradication of ignorance throughout football from the grassroots upwards.”
Lorraine Deschamps added: “We must raise awareness and understanding within the sports delivery system in order to change attitudes and increase participation, volunteering and employment.
“Individuals and communities can play a part in this change and achieve their full potential through sport.”
Lord Herman believes that the REAG can help implement three key changes that will help direct football’s future: “We want to see a real will and commitment to address the issue of the under representation of Asians within the game from playing and officiating to spectating and administrating.
“I’d also like to see all clubs show a determined drive and will towards equality of opportunity and the eradication of ignorance throughout football from the grassroots upwards.”
Lorraine Deschamps added: “We must raise awareness and understanding within the sports delivery system in order to change attitudes and increase participation, volunteering and employment.
“Individuals and communities can play a part in this change and achieve their full potential through sport.”
