Story added: 25th June 2020
New intake on our 2020/21 Football & Education programme take part in virtual seminar on racism
Students on the Foundation’s Football & Education programme were treated to a thought-provoking exclusive online seminar with Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend earlier today.
Troy, Head of Development at Kick it Out and the father of English international footballer Andros Townsend, gave a revealing insight into his current role and his own experiences growing up in East London.
He spoke of the discrimination and racism he suffered, and still continues to suffer today.
Kick it Out, which works throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination and campaign for positive change, has been in the spotlight recently with the publicity surrounding the Black Lives Matter campaign.
Troy spoke to the students about how the recent protests and on pitch action from clubs, players and the Premier League – including the kneeling of players before kick-off – has helped to raise awareness and challenge views.
Stevie Bramble, the Foundation’s Head of Curriculum was delighted with the application of the students in the session:
“Given the workshop was part of our pre-lesson delivery for our new intake of students who we’ve not yet taught face-to-face with, I was delighted with how engaged they were with our special guest and topic. They asked some interesting questions and shared some really articulate points of view.
“A massive thank you to Troy for giving up his time to deliver another outstanding workshop here at the Club.”
The Foundation’s Football & Education programmes caters for 16-18 year olds, helping to support their academic, footballing and career development.
Students enrolled on the programme have been working with their tutors virtually over the lockdown period, and over that time have enjoyed a number of special workshops with guest speakers including TV presenter Jake Humphrey, Premier League referee Dan Robathan and Norwich City FC’s Max Aarons.
To find out more about the Football & Education programme, please click here for the male, female and football learning offerings. Alternatively, contact us here.