No Room For Racism: Brentford demonstrates the importance of education in tackling discrimination | OneFootball

Brentford has been delivering anti-discrimination workshops in primary schools to demonstrate the importance of education in tackling racism and promoting inclusivity.

Classroom sessions facilitated by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust delivered ahead of the Bees’ No Room For Racism (NRFR) dedicated fixture against Liverpool have been helping children learn about the value of diversity, how to spot discriminatory behaviours, and why we should all champion what makes us unique.

More than 60 schools in west London and the surrounding counties have had sessions delivered by the Trust, reinforcing the message that there is no room for racism at Brentford, in football, or in wider society. 

Over the last month, resources used in Brentford’s classroom sessions have been provided by the Premier League who have launched Writing Stars, a poetry competition for primary school-aged children run as part of the League’s No Room For Racism campaign activity.

Children were asked to write poems inspired by this year’s NRFR campaign theme, Greatness Comes From Everywhere.

Hundreds of poems were submitted through the classroom sessions and Brentford’s judging panel of first-team player Michael Kayode, club ambassador Marcus Gayle, and Brentford Women player Ashley Cheatley assembled to pick a winner.

The judges agreed that the standard was exceptionally high, but a poem from Alex, aged 10, immediately stood out. 

Michael loved that Alex wrote in football, ‘anyone could come, no matter where you’re from’. Michael said: “In football, everyone comes from a different place, and everyone is different. I loved Alex’s poem.” 

Marcus added: “Alex’s poem reminds me of Brentford and the spirit of the club. Greatness comes from everywhere. We’ve got players from all different backgrounds and cultures, but we have in common the goal of bringing success to the club.” 

To celebrate Alex’s win, Michael and Marcus surprised his year group with a visit to his school. Michael awarded Alex a signed copy of his poem, a Brentford home shirt, and tickets for Alex’s whole family to watch Brentford v Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium. 

At the school, Michael described Alex’s poem as “sensational” and said that “his words reminded me of my own story”. 

Alex was thrilled to win to win Brentford’s competition, saying: “When I saw my mum and dad in the hall, I knew I’d won! I really appreciate Brentford for picking me and for letting me meet Michael.” 

Alex’s poem will also be put forward for the national finals, where his entry will be judged alongside entries from all other Premier League clubs by a panel of experts, including ex-players, community leaders and celebrities. 

Engaging young people with the No Room For Racism is schools is essential to how Brentford promotes the importance of diversity and inclusion, and reinforces the message with the younger generation that everyone is welcome at Brentford.  

Benjamin Abrahams from Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has led on Writing Stars poetry sessions this season, working with hundreds of children in the local area. 

Benjamin said: “Football clubs and their players are incredibly influential in the lives of young people. Using the power of football in education is so important to how we equip children with the knowledge and skills to create welcoming and inclusive environments, whether that’s at school, home, or at the match.

“Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do at Brentford, and that’s the message that we want to share with schools everywhere so that young people grow up in a world that celebrates differences and is free from discrimination.” 

Brentford will mark the No Room For Racism campaign at this Saturday’s Premier League home fixture against Liverpool, joining with clubs to reiterate the message that there is no room for racism or discrimination in football.