No Room For Racism

The No Room For Racism campaign has been a cornerstone of the Premier League's commitment to promoting equality and combating discrimination.

Through the Academy Enrichment Programme, this initiative has been brought to life within academies, emphasising the importance of creating an inclusive environment both on and off the pitch.

This season, the programme focused on empowering young players to reflect on the impact of racism and share their perspectives.

By creating open discussions and platforms for academy players to express their views and experiences, the initiative seeks to inspire a generation that champions diversity and stands firmly against discrimination.

Foundation Phase Players Competition

Creativity met activism in the Foundation Phase (U9-U12) competition, which challenged young players to design a captain’s armband that celebrates diversity and reflects the values of their Club.

This activity sparked conversations about inclusion among younger players, giving them a sense of ownership in promoting the campaign’s message. Sixteen of the twenty Premier League clubs engaged in this fantastic competition, further emphasising its widespread impact.

Winning designs from each Club were professionally produced by the league and distributed across academies. These vibrant and meaningful armbands were proudly worn by captains from U9 through U21 during the No Room For Racism match rounds, reinforcing the campaign's message of unity and respect in every game.

No Room For Racism match rounds (18-28 October)

The No Room For Racism match rounds extended the campaign's message to the pitch, with all academy games during this period branded to align with the Premier League first-team fixtures.

Players, coaches, and staff came together to demonstrate their commitment to the cause.

These match rounds served as a powerful reminder of the role football plays in driving social change and the influence young players can have as advocates for equality.

Educational Resources

To further support clubs in delivering the No Room For Racism message, the Premier League provided a comprehensive set of educational resources.

These materials focused on three key areas:

Allyship Encouraging players to support and stand up for their teammates and peers from diverse backgrounds.
Inclusivity Highlighting the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Taking Action Inspiring players to actively challenge discrimination and become ambassadors for equality both in football and their wider communities.

Academy staff were encouraged to use these resources in workshops, team meetings, and individual player development sessions.

By embedding these lessons into the academy experience, the campaign ensures that the values of equality and respect remain central to the development of the next generation of players.

Impact and Looking Ahead

The No Room For Racism initiative within the Academy Enrichment Programme has been instrumental in shaping young players' understanding of their role in promoting inclusivity.

From creative competitions to impactful matchday experiences and educational workshops, the campaign has brought its core messages to life in meaningful and engaging ways.

As we move forward in 2025, the Academy Enrichment Programme will continue to build on the success of this campaign, exploring new ways to empower players, staff and clubs to champion diversity and foster a culture of respect throughout the football community.