Newport unites races in football festival
By Effective Communication
A hundred primary school children from across Newport have taken part in a unique football inclusion festival to mark European Fortnight of Action and Black History Month.
The pupils aged between six and eight from nine local schools turned up at the Spytty Astroturf at the Newport International Sports Village with school teachers and parents going along to support their children.
The festival took place to raise awareness of football for children from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds and other youngsters who don’t have the opportunity to play the sport on a regular basis.
Welsh Football Trust Inclusion officer Mizan Rahman and the Trust’s football development officer for Newport, James Rowberry organised the successful event.
Rahman said: “The atmosphere was excellent, and although the weather wasn’t great it didn’t stop everyone having a fantastic day. Everyone gave really positive feedback, including the parents, and they were delighted that such an event took place.
“It was fantastic to see children from many different communities playing together as one.”
The event was in partnership with the Welsh Football Trust and Newport City Council. Anti-racism in football campaigners ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ attended the event and provided prizes to the youngsters.
Rahman added: “Ethnic minorities are severely under-represented in football clubs and national football organisations. Although black players predominate at all levels of the game, there are hardly any Asian or Chinese players.”
Rahman is currently involved with the creation of a new Multicultural football league, due to start later this year.
To find out more about the inclusion festival and the issues involved, please visit www.welshfootballtrust.org.uk
Tags: Black History Month, show Racism the Red Card, Welsh Football Trust
