On Tuesday 4th November, Watford FC and Watford FC Community Sport and Education Trust partnered with Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) to deliver an inspiring educational workshop for participants of the Premier League Primary Stars programme.
Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity. SRtRC utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society and has also expanded into other sports. The majority of the campaign’s work involves the delivery of educational workshops to young people and adults in schools, workplaces and at events held in football stadiums. Across the UK, SRtRC provides educational sessions to more than 50,000 individuals per year.
As part of this initiative, 90 local primary school pupils taking part in Premier League Primary Stars visited Vicarage Road Stadium for an interactive SRtRC workshop. Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League’s primary school education programme. Funded by the Premier League, through the Premier League Foundation, the programme uses the appeal of football to help children to be active and develop essential life skills.
The day didn’t stop there – the Trust also hosted:
- A behind-the-scenes stadium tour
- A game-based learning session
- A special presentation from the Frank Soo Foundation on the importance of role models, including the chance to see Frank Soo’s Honorary Cap up close.
To make the experience even more memorable, students enjoyed a Q&A session with Monty Panesar, former England cricketer and SRtRC ambassador, who shared his insights on diversity and inclusion in sport.
Madeline Hurley, EDI Officer, said:
“The event was a great success. It was brilliant to see so many young people engaging with important conversations about racism in an inspiring setting. The combination of education and football really brought the message to life. A big thank you to Show Racism the Red Card, Trust Staff, and Dave Messenger, EDI Lead at Watford FC for their support in making this event possible”
This event was a powerful reminder of how football can be a force for positive change, educating and inspiring the next generation to stand against racism.