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Our Story

Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity. It was established in January 1996, thanks in part to a donation by then Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.

In the 1990’s, Newcastle United’s ‘Entertainers’ were challenging for the Premier League title. It was with this backdrop, that Shaka was at a petrol station near St. James’ Park one day filling up his car with petrol when he was confronted by a group of young people shouting racist abuse at him. After they got closer and one of the group realised that they had been shouting at Shaka Hislop, the Newcastle United Goalkeeper. Their attitude suddenly went from abuse to admiration and instead they began asking for an autograph.

Hear Shaka tell his story in his own words in the video below.

It was from this experience that Shaka realised he could harness his influence as a professional player to make a difference. Coupled with the power of ‘the beautiful game’ and his status as a role model, Shaka thought education could be an effective strategy in challenging racism in society.

At the charity’s first ever event, Shaka and fellow teammate John Beresford visited Gosforth High School in the North East of England to speak to pupils about their experiences in football and society; the rest is history!

To this day SRtRC continues to utilise the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society and has also expanded into other sports and involved other personalities. The majority of the campaign’s work involves the delivery of educational workshops to young people and adults in schools, workplaces and at events held in football stadiums. Across the UK, SRtRC provides educational sessions to more than 50,000 individuals per year, along with hosting the UK’s largest equalities themed School Competition. In 2023, SRtRC has surpassed the landmark milestone of engaging 1 million people in these programmes.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela

In addition to the direct education of young people and adults, SRtRC produces educational resources and platforms, to challenge misconceptions, stereotypes and negative attitudes in society.

Our educational resources feature a range of professional football players such as Harry Kane, Lauren James, Jordan Pickford, Beth Mead, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Eni Aluko as well as England manager Gareth Southgate.

The resources address a range of issues surrounding racism and help teachers and other training professionals to deliver training in their schools and workplaces. Our Education Hub contains lesson plans and activities for all ages.

Show Racism the Red Card works extensively across the UK and has offices in North East England, North West England, Southern England (covering the South East & also London), Scotland (Glasgow) and Wales (Cardiff). In Scotland and Wales, the campaign also plays a role in tackling racism within professional and grassroots football.

Mission Statement

Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racism educational charity.

We work to challenge racism through empowering role models within communities, organisations, and sports, in order to dismantle racism in society.

We achieve this through:

1. Producing educational resources.

2. Developing activities to encourage people, including young people, to challenge racism.

3. In parts of the UK, challenging racism in the game of football and other sports.

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