Brentford FC is actively combating racism through educational initiatives aimed at primary school students. The club has been conducting anti-discrimination workshops, emphasizing the essential role of education in promoting inclusivity and understanding diversity.
Community Engagement in Education
The sessions, arranged by the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, are part of the club’s No Room For Racism (NRFR) campaign. They focus on helping children recognize discriminatory behaviors and appreciate the uniqueness of individuals.
Over 60 primary schools in West London and surrounding areas have participated in these workshops. The club reinforces the message that racism has no place in football or society.
Writing Stars Poetry Competition
Recently, the Premier League supported Brentford by providing resources for classroom sessions. As part of the NRFR campaign, they launched the Writing Stars poetry competition for primary school students. The theme this year is “Greatness Comes From Everywhere.”
- Hundreds of poems have been submitted by students inspired by the campaign theme.
- A judging panel composed of Brentford players selected the winning poem.
The panel included first-team player Michael Kayode, club ambassador Marcus Gayle, and Brentford Women player Ashley Cheatley. They noted the high quality of submissions, with a standout poem from 10-year-old Alex.
Celebrating Diversity Through Poetry
Michael Kayode appreciated Alex’s poem, which conveyed that “anyone could come, no matter where you’re from.” He emphasized that football is a melting pot of diverse backgrounds, which serves as a strength for the club.
To honor Alex’s achievement, Michael and Marcus surprised his class with a visit. They presented Alex with a signed copy of his poem, a Brentford home shirt, and family tickets to an upcoming match against Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium.
Alex expressed his excitement about winning and meeting his role models. His poem will also compete in the national finals, where entries from other Premier League clubs will be judged by a panel that includes community leaders and celebrities.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Benjamin Abrahams of the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust emphasizes the influence of football clubs. He believes that leveraging football in education cultivates welcoming environments, whether at school, home, or in sports venues.
Abrahams stated, “Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do at Brentford.” The club’s commitment to the No Room For Racism campaign will be highlighted during their upcoming Premier League match against Liverpool. Brentford stands united with other clubs to reinforce the message that racism and discrimination have no place in football.
