An AITC project, which has won praise from the FA for its success in tackling discrimination, will be highlighted at tomorrow's game as part of the club's Kick it Out day of action.*
The Tackle Homophobia initiative, started by a team of 14 year-old footballers in Peacehaven in 2010, is one of a number of AITC projects which share the values of the Kick it Out campaign that was set up initially in 1993 to help highlight the issue of racism in the game. Today, the Kick it Out campaign works to tackle all forms of discrimination in football including homophobia.*
The AITC project uses football and education to get the anti-homophobia message across to young people through three youth football teams who compete in tournaments across the UK under the Tackle Homophobia banner. The scheme also puts on weekly football sessions and organises youth football tournaments across the county.*
AITC coach Barry Cooper, who helps run the project, told seagulls.co.uk, “The football is the vehicle to getting the message across and we do this through youth tournaments, both ones that we organise ourselves or enter across the UK and even in Europe. *
“Through this we can get a simple message across just by wearing our Tackle Homophobia kit and talking to the other teams.*
“With the weekly football sessions, the emphasis is on providing a supportive environment which is open and inclusive for all players whatever their background."
Young players from the project also take part in education sessions in local schools and Cooper added, “The education side is really important aspect of the programme.
“Working with Sam Whittaker, previously at East Sussex County Council and now at Seaford School, we go into local schools and spread the message that there is no place for discrimination in sport and life in general.”
The weekly football sessions originally took place at Peacehaven Leisure Centre but had to be moved to nearby Seaford Leisure Centre due to the increased level of interest. Over 50 young people regularly attend and Cooper is busy organising the next Tackle Homophobia football tournament in Seaford on March 8th, where over 130 young people are expected to take part.*
Chris Gibbons, an FA Inclusion Education Advisor added, "The FA is delighted to be working alongside Brighton and Hove Albion FC and Albion in the Community on their innovative and exciting initiatives to tackle discrimination in football.*
"Putting young people at the heart of this work, through the Tackle Homophobia project, sends out a clear message that everyone regardless of sexual orientation should be able to enjoy participating in football."
Barry Cooper will joined by Martin Schooley from AITC at half time tomorrow on Seagulls TV to talk about the Tackle Homophobia project and AITC's other inclusion work as part of the club's Kick it Out day of action. *
Original article
The Tackle Homophobia initiative, started by a team of 14 year-old footballers in Peacehaven in 2010, is one of a number of AITC projects which share the values of the Kick it Out campaign that was set up initially in 1993 to help highlight the issue of racism in the game. Today, the Kick it Out campaign works to tackle all forms of discrimination in football including homophobia.*
The AITC project uses football and education to get the anti-homophobia message across to young people through three youth football teams who compete in tournaments across the UK under the Tackle Homophobia banner. The scheme also puts on weekly football sessions and organises youth football tournaments across the county.*
AITC coach Barry Cooper, who helps run the project, told seagulls.co.uk, “The football is the vehicle to getting the message across and we do this through youth tournaments, both ones that we organise ourselves or enter across the UK and even in Europe. *
“Through this we can get a simple message across just by wearing our Tackle Homophobia kit and talking to the other teams.*
“With the weekly football sessions, the emphasis is on providing a supportive environment which is open and inclusive for all players whatever their background."
Young players from the project also take part in education sessions in local schools and Cooper added, “The education side is really important aspect of the programme.
“Working with Sam Whittaker, previously at East Sussex County Council and now at Seaford School, we go into local schools and spread the message that there is no place for discrimination in sport and life in general.”
The weekly football sessions originally took place at Peacehaven Leisure Centre but had to be moved to nearby Seaford Leisure Centre due to the increased level of interest. Over 50 young people regularly attend and Cooper is busy organising the next Tackle Homophobia football tournament in Seaford on March 8th, where over 130 young people are expected to take part.*
Chris Gibbons, an FA Inclusion Education Advisor added, "The FA is delighted to be working alongside Brighton and Hove Albion FC and Albion in the Community on their innovative and exciting initiatives to tackle discrimination in football.*
"Putting young people at the heart of this work, through the Tackle Homophobia project, sends out a clear message that everyone regardless of sexual orientation should be able to enjoy participating in football."
Barry Cooper will joined by Martin Schooley from AITC at half time tomorrow on Seagulls TV to talk about the Tackle Homophobia project and AITC's other inclusion work as part of the club's Kick it Out day of action. *
Original article