#SRtRCSpotlight: Oxford United continue their anti-racism journey
The Southern Region team had a fantastic day at Oxford United, delivering two engaging anti-racism education sessions with young footballers across the city.
We started at Oxford United’s Training Ground, working with the club’s U14 squad. The session encouraged the players to explore the definition of racism and consider how racism can present itself in different ways. We discussed stereotyping, microaggressions and the impact of language, before looking at the importance of allyship and the role young people can play in challenging racism when they encounter it.
From there, we headed to the Oxford City Stadium where Oxford United’s U10 and U11 players were training. We delivered our Fans of the Future workshop, beginning by exploring the difference between discrimination and racism and challenging some of the stereotypes that young people may encounter.
The players were also introduced to the concept of intersectionality, helping them understand how different aspects of a person’s identity can overlap and shape their experiences. We then looked at language and terminology, encouraging the groups to think about the words we use and the impact they can have on others.
We finished the workshop by giving the young players practical guidance on how to challenge racism safely and effectively, while reinforcing the importance of allyship and speaking up for others.
A really positive day working with young players at Oxford United and helping the next generation understand the part they can play in making football a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Shelly Provan, Player Care & Education Officer & Girls Operations Lead shared:
“Show Racism the Red Card covered some incredibly important topics which the boys really took on board and which gave them a lot to think about. The subjects were handled in a way that encouraged the players to engage, ask questions and reflect on their own understanding and experiences. All of the topics discussed were age appropriate and brilliantly adapted for both our younger and older academy players. What worked particularly well was the way the workshops made the conversations relatable to football and to situations the players may encounter within the game, at school and in their everyday lives.
It is really important for us that our academy players develop not only as footballers, but also as young people, and education around racism, discrimination, language and how we treat others forms an important part of that development. Giving players the opportunity to have these conversations in a safe and engaging environment can help them understand the impact words and actions can have on those around them.
Thank you to Show Racism the Red Card for delivering such engaging and thought-provoking sessions and for giving our players the opportunity to learn, reflect and take some really important messages away with them.”
Paul Hill, Southern Region Manager for Show Racism the Red Card, said:
“Football gives us a fantastic opportunity to have these important conversations with young people from an early age. Our aim isn’t simply to help young people understand what racism and discrimination are, but to give them the knowledge, language and confidence to recognise them, challenge them and become active allies to others. Working with players from U10s through to U14s also demonstrates why this education should be an ongoing conversation. As young people grow and experience different environments, their understanding of issues such as stereotypes, microaggressions, language and identity can develop too. By creating spaces where they feel comfortable asking questions and exploring these subjects, we can help build that understanding.
“Football clubs have an incredibly important role to play because of the influence they have within their communities and particularly with young people. It was fantastic to work with Oxford United and see their commitment to ensuring their young players are developing not just as footballers, but as people. Ultimately, we want these young people to take what they have learned beyond the training ground and into their schools, friendship groups, communities and eventually into adult life. If we can help create a generation that feels confident speaking up when something isn’t right and understands the importance of standing alongside others, then that can have an impact far beyond football.”
Jack Cunningham, Southern Region Club Event Lead and Educator, who led the workshops, said:
“The openness and maturity the players showed, particularly when we gave them the space to discuss different scenarios and hear each other’s perspectives was brilliant! There were some really thoughtful contributions across all year groups, and you could see the players becoming more comfortable talking about subjects that can sometimes feel difficult to discuss. Days like this remind us how powerful football can be as a setting for education, conversation and positive change. They were really willing to get involved, share their thoughts and think critically about stereotypes, language and the different ways racism and discrimination can affect people. These sessions are about giving young people the knowledge and confidence to recognise racism, challenge it when they see it and understand the importance of being an ally. The conversations we had showed just how valuable it is to introduce these topics at an early age and continue building on them as players progress through football.
A big thank you to all academy players, to Shelly and her team at Oxford United for having us in and we wish you well for the season ahead!”
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