EQUALITY

  
 
 

Red Card for Racism !
 
Leeds College of Building recently held a football tournament aimed at promoting the Kick Racism out of Football campaign.  The purpose of the tournament was for young people in West Yorkshire to unite against a common cause which is the fight against xenophobic attitudes, bullying and race hate crimes. 

The match was hosted at Kirkstall Goals and 14 teams competed in the feast of football, including one team of ladies. In total, over 100 people attended the event, including players, coaches and staff.

All teams put on a great display of skills and teamwork, however it was Calderdale College who emerged victorious taking both the winner and runner up places. 

Tournament co-ordinator Mark Tinker, from Leeds College of Building said “We decided to stage the competition to give students the chance to have some competitive fun and at the same time raise awareness against racism. The event went very well; it is a great way of using football to highlight race related issues. We believe it is important to heighten awareness of racism not just in football but across all areas”. 

Jubar Miah, The Equality and Diversity Officer at Leeds College of Building added “It is important that young people have the opportunity to learn about people. To learn that people have differences in physical characteristics, views and opinions, however it is still possible for people to unite against a common cause which is about every person having a human right to be protected from unlawful racial bullying or discrimination. This also sends the message out, that people with all their differences, can work together to promote human rights and equality to enable everyone to have a better quality of life”. 

Leeds College of Building received great feedback from all participants and following the success of the tournament the event will now be held annually.