Some of football’s biggest names will join a movement of over 100,000 people for the Football People action weeks, the biggest social change campaign in European sport, to stand together against discrimination and for inclusion, from 5 to 19 October.
During the two weeks, around 2,000 activities will take place in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia, driving social inclusion and education.
A new video has been launched to support the action weeks. Please watch it here and share on social media.
Fare Executive Director Piara Powar said: “The Football People weeks is an important period for European football bringing together people who watch, play or run the sport and supporting inclusion and diversity while challenging intolerance and discrimination.
“This is a big and growing movement, our target is to reach 100,000 people directly taking part in activities. We encourage grassroots organisations to join the campaign and get involved with their own activities” added Powar.
“Activities, will include conferences, debates, workshops and many more events at national and international level. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved.”
Football governing bodies including UEFA are backing the campaign, which sits alongside their own #EqualGame initiative, highlighting the importance of leadership in the fight for social equality.
President Aleksander Čeferin said: “I am excited to offer UEFA’s full support for the Football People action weeks, football’s largest movement for social change in Europe.
“By dedicating a match day of the UEFA men’s and women’s Champions League, the Europa League and European qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup to the campaign, we want to highlight our commitment to leading the way in making discrimination a phenomenon of the past and celebrate diversity in the game.”
Three nationwide events will kick off the action weeks:
– On Friday 6 October, Nil By Mouth will team up with St Modan’s High School in Stirling Scotland for an afternoon focusing on issues such as sectarianism and racism in football. This will be the first of a series of workshops Nil by Mouth will deliver in schools. The highlight of their activities will be a debate involving Members of the Scottish Parliament, fans and other stakeholders on 10 October.
– On the same day in Bucharest, Romania, Asociatia Semper Musica will launch a travelling roadshow with a kick-off event in Bucharest. During the weeks, they will host panel discussions, film screenings and other activities in Galati, Vrancea, Buzau and Bacau.
– On Sunday 8 October, the Belarusian NGO Human Constanta will organise a festival against discrimination in Minsk, which will include lectures, workshops, masterclasses with representatives of football clubs, and a series of cultural activities.
– Read about more events here.
Follow the Football People weeks on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram) and through the activities map.
