The Premier League has launched new No Room For Racism education resources, which feature players offering advice to schoolchildren on issues such as inclusion and discrimination.
As part of the League’s wide-ranging community work, the free resources are made available to all primary schools in England and Wales via the Premier League Primary Stars programme. They cover the themes of "Racism and Inclusion", "Allyship" and "Challenging Stereotypes".
Players including Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Leicester City’s Bobby De Cordova-Reid discuss discriminatory abuse they have faced or witnessed, as well as offering their views on how to handle racism and being a good ally.
“With discrimination and racism, it’s important to stand against it and not normalise the abuse," midfielder Doucoure says. "In football, you have people from all over the world, different nationalities. Throughout my career, I have met people of many ethnicities and religions. Football brings us all together, which is wonderful.
“Education is key. The children have a huge responsibility to change the future, which is why education is important.
“Footballers are role models and idols for young people so when they speak on these topics, the message is stronger. Players should recognise the responsibility they have to positively influence the young generation.”
'It's all about education'
Bassey also points to the importance of education.
“Abuse and racism should never be tolerated, not just in football but in life in general," Bassey says. "It’s all about education – educating people on different cultures and having that mutual respect. Not seeing anyone by colour, just as a human being.”
Discussing the online abuse he faced earlier this season, the Fulham defender adds: “I’ve got a good support system around me. Not just my family, but the club and the Premier League had my back too.
“The Premier League reached out to make sure I was OK. I think it's very important to have that feeling of security and comfort in times like those. It’s important to have a good support system and I’m blessed to have that.”
'Don't be afraid to speak up'
De Cordova-Reid encourages youngsters not to be afraid to speak up.
“Let people know there’s nothing wrong with the colour of their skin," the Leicester forward says. "It’s a reflection on the person doing the abusing and not the receiver.
“Don't bottle it up. Don't hold it in. Speak to someone, express your feelings and whatever that person decides to do in that moment, support them.”
The new resources have been launched shortly after the Premier League published a four-year update on its No Room For Racism Action Plan, showing the progress being made to increase diversity across all areas of football. It also highlights the League’s ongoing commitment to tackling discrimination and supporting players and others within the game who suffer racist abuse.
The No Room For Racism Action Plan was launched in 2021, outlining a series of targets and commitments aimed at creating greater access to opportunities and career progression for Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups in football, along with steps to eradicate racial prejudice.
The four-year update shows that No Room For Racism education resources have been used by more than 15,000 teachers, enabling them to engage nearly half a million pupils in positive discussion on the subject.
In addition to Premier League players, the No Room For Racism resources feature current and former professional women’s players Demi Stokes and Chloe Morgan, as well as Rebecca Welch, the first woman to referee a Premier League game.
“I think education on racism is massive," Stokes, the Newcastle United and England defender, says. "I experienced racism growing up and people are still experiencing it. Yes, it is still a problem. Yes, it is still an issue. It’s so important to support people who go through discrimination. Get an arm around them and make sure they’re all right.”
Talking on the theme of allyship, Welch says: “A good ally has your back always, not just when you're there but also when you're not. In my sport, being a referee, a lot of people want to criticise you and a good ally will always defend you.”
Also featuring in the "Allyship" resource, Arsenal midfielder Jorginho emphasises the importance of teamwork.
“I think being part of a team and being together is the best thing and helps you to learn about support and caring for each other," he says. "Knowing you can rely on who is beside you and you can support them is so important.”
Supporting diverse communities
A central part of the No Room For Racism Action Plan is supporting diverse communities.
Approximately 33 per cent of participants on Premier League-funded programmes came from ethnically diverse backgrounds in 2023/24, and the Premier League Charitable Fund is supporting 95 EDI leads to embed equality, diversity and inclusion across all levels of their organisations.
The education resources are available at plprimarystars.com.
