In dedication to the No Room For Racism campaign, a league-wide competition took place tasking U9s-U12s age groups across 20 Premier League club's academies to write a poem about what diversity means to them.
The poem could either be written or spoken - challenging them to be as creative as possible.
After receiving many entries from 20 clubs, Theo Sewell, an U10 player from Burnley was announced as the winner. His poem highlighted how he first came to the understanding of racism, why players take the knee and how football is "one big family".
As part of the club's One Club For All ethos, manager Vincent Kompany, first team players, academy players and staff featured in a video reading lines from Theo's poem.
We are one big footballing family.
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) April 12, 2024
That's why every single one of us has a part to play when it comes to fighting against discrimination on and off the pitch.
There is no room for racism. Anywhere. pic.twitter.com/5yRrquSuGa
To congratulate Theo on his winning poem, his favourite Burnley player Josh Brownhill surprised him with a signed shirt and certificate.
U10s player Theo Sewell was surprised by Josh Brownhill after winning an academy-wide poetry competition, as part of the @premierleague's #NoRoomForRacism campaign.
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) April 14, 2024
Congratulations, Theo! 👏
Burnley FC’s Academy Player Care Intern Frazer Young said: “We were delighted with the quality of entries we received, and it was clear that the lads had taken the time to carefully consider what diversity means to them.
“It was a good opportunity for them to learn about such an important issue, not just in football but in life. As well as offering the chance for them to develop their creative writing and presentation skills.”
Theo added: “I love writing stories and poems and knew other children would be able to relate to my poem. I wanted to help and spread awareness in the hope that other kids will have the courage to speak up should they ever experience or witness any discrimination of any kind.
“I felt really lucky meeting Josh Brownhill, he’s the captain of Burnley and a role model to me! Spending time with him and the players was a once in a lifetime experience! I’ve got his shirt framed on my wall where it will stay!”
At Burnley's home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, Sewell alongside five other players from the Club's Foundation Phase (U9-11) was pitch side holding the No Room For Racism banner before the match.
Ahead Matchweek 32 and 33 fixtures, players and officials took the knee to send a clear message that discrimination is not tolerated in football or wider society.
