Football's national Anti-Racist Week of Action starts on 11th October and runs until 21st October (see news from 11th September). Activities are being planned across the country, and it's not too late to get involved! Here are some of the things that are happening:
'United Colours of Football 3': The latest edition of the anti-racist fanzine is out this week, put together by Kick It Out and FURD. It includes contributions from Billy Bragg, John Barnes and black, white and Asian football fans, and a look at reaction to the appointment of Sven Goran-Eriksson as England coach. We've eliminated the bad language this time making it suitable for distribution to a wider audience. The fanzine is free, so if you can help distribute it, or would like a copy, just get in touch as soon as possible telling us how many you'd like.
'Kick It Out' anti-racist football magazine for children: This is being produced by Kick It Out in conjunction with Shoot magazine. It features interviews with Dwight Yorke, Chris Powell, Rio Ferdinand, Alex Ferguson and England women's team manager Hope Powell, as well as a historical time-line of black players' involvement in football in Britain, and initiatives to increase the numbers of Asians in football. Contact FURD or Kick It Out for copies.
History of Black Footballers Exhibition: This exhibition, put together by Phil Vasili, shows how black players have been part of the game in Britain from the days of Arthur Wharton in the 19th century onwards, and tells some fascinating stories. It has now been updated and more copies are in circulation on 8 laminated panels. The hire fee will now be reduced so it only covers postage costs. For more information, contact FURD or Kick It Out, as both of us will soon have copies available for hire.
Events in Sheffield for Anti-Racist Week: (contact Kick It Out or your local club for events in other parts of the country)
Sheffield United: (v. Grimsby 13 October 2001)
players warming up in Kick It Out t-shirts
banner display at start of game, plus photoshots with banners when captains toss up
History Of Black Footballers Exhibition in family enclosure
FURD Millennium Volunteers distributing new kids mag in Family Enclosure
250 word piece in programme, with photo of Carl Asaba and Patrick Suffo wearing First Black Footballer t-shirts
Tannoy announcement prior to game
Two 6-a-side games involving players from local schools at half-time (subject to ground conditions)
Distribution of United Colours of Football 3 by fans outside stadium
free tickets distributed to local young people
Sheffield Wednesday: (v Walsall 20 October 2001)
Distributing Kick It Out mag in Family Enclosure
20 children from FURD coaching scheme in Darnall participating in half-time pitch entertainment
Banner displays
Article in programme
History Of Black Footballers Exhibition in concourse of Family Enclosure
Launch of SWFC Annual Community Report
Fans distributing United Colours Of Football 3
'Moving On Up' Conference at Sheffield Hallam University, 12 October
Conference focusing on self-empowerment, ambition, motivation and achievement
Aimed at 14-16 ethnic minority young people invited from schools that FURD is working with
Guest speakers confirmed include John Barnes, Sports Minister Richard Caborn MP, Paul Archer (financial adviser), Burinda Kang (barrister) and Lloyd Samuels (DJ)
The History of Black Footballers Exhibition: will be displayed throughout Sheffield libraries, 4 schools, Sheffield College and The Hub African-Caribbean Centre.