The Kick it Out (KIO) Week of Action prompted many clubs to involve Apprentices in their anti- racism campaign.
Burnley and Rotherham United’s Apprentices were fine exponents of this philosophy by linking their efforts in conjunction with their Football in the Community scheme and Centre of Excellence and recognising the value of this to their education programme.
Rotherham United’s Apprentices delivered all three activities in the workbook provided by LFE to the clubs U13 & U14’s Centre of Excellence players. In small groups the Apprentices started the day off with a coaching session at the training ground, giving the youngsters some useful tips on techniques and skills.
It was then on to the main suite at Millmoor to deliver a presentation on the subject of KIO, followed by an Equality and Diversity quiz which was fun for all involved.
Steve Thornber (Youth Team Coach) confirmed the Club’s full support for the KIO campaign:
“Our Youth team players covered all the activities in the LFE workbook with our U13 and U14 squads from the Centre of Excellence and found the experience enlightening and enjoyable. As a Football Club in a culturally diverse area, we feel the Kick it Out campaign is an essential vehicle for combating racism not just in football but society as a whole.”
Burnley’s Apprentices went to school integrating the KIO activities into their Education programme at Myerscough College under the supervision of Tutor Simon Ireland.
During the Week of Action the Apprentices completed the activities in the LFE pack and led discussions involving the youth coaching staff. Terry Pashley (Youth Team Coach), Vince Overson (Head of Youth Development) and Simon Ireland (Tutor) offered their views on racism and the change in attitudes throughout their football careers.
Vince Overson said:
“It’s amazing how views have changed towards racism, when I was a player no one bothered much about anti-racism issues but after working through the packs provided by LFE it’s clear the players today won’t stand for any racism in the game.”
“The lads here all agree racism should not exist and they are not afraid to voice their opinion. It’s obvious the Kick it Out campaign works and it does get the message across.”
Burnley’s summer signing Clarke Carlisle was also quick to praise the work being undertaken by Apprentices at his Club and across the land:
“The debate and discussions that are provoked during this work are of great value to all players coming into the game. The lads at Burnley will benefit from this and credit must go to LFE for providing the platform for Apprentices to engage and understand these issues.”
