Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced the funding for Show Racism the Red Card
The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced that £200,000 of Government funding will be put into anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card.
The funding will support projects over the next year and allow thousands of young people to take part in a groundbreaking project – delivered by footballers – to counter the influence of far right groups and challenge their attempts to associate themselves with the national game.
The Show Racism the Red Card charity was established in January 1996 and uses high profile professional footballers to educate against racism.
The funding will help key features of the project including:
- Educational workshops for 9,400 young people aged 11-18 delivered by professional footballers that would: give young people opportunities to learn about the dangers of associating with right wing extremists, help young people to think critically about the issues and empower them to refute and challenge anti-Muslim ideas.
- An educational resource for teachers, including those not involved directly in the programme.
- An assessment of the impact racist groups are having on young people's attitudes and wellbeing.
"Together I am sure this is a fight that we can win"
- Shaka Hislop
The Deputy Prime Minister said: "Extremism, whether from the far right of English politics or radical islamists, must be challenged wherever it is found. Our cultural touchstones, such as football, must not be perverted, the minds of our youth must not be corrupted by the insidious influence of the far right.
“Show Racism the Red Card have proven their ability to use football as a means to tackle racism and intolerance, and I look forward to seeing the results they achieve with this campaign."
Show Racism the Red Card Chief Executive Ged Grebby added: "Show Racism the Red Card welcomes this funding and support - it will allow us to work with teachers and young people across the country to tackle prejudice and promote understanding.
"We are really pleased that the government has recognised the vital importance of education in order to build resilience and allow young people to reject the advances of those who wish to create division and hatred in our society. We look forward to working with them on this project."
Immensely proud
Show Racism the Red Card was founded by former Newcastle United, West Ham and Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.
He is the campaign’s Honorary President and said the announcement was an important step for the charity.
"I am immensely proud that Show Racism the Red Card has developed from a charity set up by myself and a handful of Newcastle United supporters, to a campaign now getting worldwide recognition," he added.
"The announcement today by the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is another step down the road of our fight against racism, not only in football but in wider society. Together I am sure this is a fight that we can win."
