Wolverhampton Wanderers became the first Premier League club to participate in the Premier League’s newly launched Introduction to Anti-Racist Coaching (ARC) workshop.
The session, currently available to all Premier League and Category One Academy clubs, aims to support Academy coaches and staff in facilitating culturally aware environments through proactive and inclusive methods.
The Premier League-led workshops are conducted in collaboration with universities, and will be hosted by several clubs over the end of 2024/25 and throughout 2025/26.
A diverse range of staff were present at Wolves’ ARC sessions, including full-time coaches from various age groups, physios, analysts, scouts, and player-care leads.
In total, 45 members of staff attended the session, which is designed to empower Academy players to thrive, embrace and affirm their own ethnic, cultural, and religious identities.
At the same time, they promote awareness and respect for others, including coaches, staff, and fellow players.
'Sessions will ensure we're educated in the right way'
Darren Ryan, Head of Player Development at Wolves, helped arrange for the sessions to be held at the club.
"We all felt it was important for our staff and for the football club to put on these workshops," he said. "It is education for the coaches when it comes to players, staff and also the parents' backgrounds.
"This is because all of our staff – especially our younger coaches – come into contact with parents on a weekly basis, and it’s important we can understand their cultures and backgrounds.
"We're always learning, and whether it is bettering our understanding of people's backgrounds, cultures, religions or lived experiences, these sessions will make sure that we're all educated in the right way and with a consistent approach."
Gurpri Bains, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager for Wolves, said: "Not only are we fostering personal growth, but the workshops encourage a proactive approach to anti-racism. By reflecting on our practices and learning together, it empowers coaches to actively contribute to creating inclusive environments, driving positive change both on and off the field."
The workshops are facilitated by individuals with extensive experience in Academy environments, elite sport participation and coaching, as well as anti-racist work.
Developing diverse coaching pathways and improving access to underrepresented players are key pillars of the Premier League's No Room For Racism Action Plan.
The plan was launched in 2021 and progress continues to be made across all six pillars, including coaching. Of the participants on the Premier League’s inclusive coaching schemes, 93 per cent now hold full-time roles in professional football.
