Football Unites to Kick Out Racism

Football clubs across South Tyneside are joining forces with the Council to give racism the boot.

South Shields, Hebburn Town and Jarrow football clubs joined councillors and a representative from Show Racism the Red Card to pledge their support to making racism a thing of the past both on and off the pitch.

Their support comes ahead of Wear Red Day this Friday (21 October) which encourages people to wear something red in support of the cause. To show the Council's support, South Shields Town Hall will be lit up in the colour of the campaign.

Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK's leading anti-racism education charity which uses the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle prejudice and racial discrimination in society by hosting educational events with young people and adults in schools, workplaces and the wider community.

Councillor Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities, said: "We are absolutely committed to driving racism from our communities - there is simply no excuse for it.

"I would encourage everyone to wear red this Friday and commit to calling out prejudice and hate crime wherever they see it."

The clubs united at the new 3G pitch adjacent to Perth Green Community Association which opened earlier this year and is well-used addition to the Borough's portfolio of leisure facilities.

Councillor Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Community Safety said: "We are a multiculturally diverse area and we are proud to have a long and successful record of working with Show Racism the Red Card. The charity does fantastic work challenging negative attitudes while promoting our cultural diversity and the strengths that gives our Borough."

Steve Camm, Foundation Manager at South Shields Football Club added: "We know young people look up to football players as role models so it's important that we get behind this initiative."

Vin Pearson, Chairman of Hebburn Town Football Club said: "Racism has no place either on or off the pitch so it's great that we can all come together to get this message across.

Scott Oliver, Manager of Jarrow Football Club added: "I'd encourage everyone to wear red this Friday. Together we can send a strong message that racism and discrimination in any form is unacceptable."

Sue Schofield, SRtRC's Education Team Manager, said: ""We can always rely on South Tyneside to show their support for the work that we do as an organisation and the challenges that we face as a society, but this year, they've really pulled out all of the stops. Together we are stronger, and our heartfelt thanks go out to all in South Tyneside who stand shoulder to shoulder with us. Change Heart. Change Minds. Change Lives."

For further information about the work of Show Racism the Red Card visit www.theredcard.org