ISLE of Man school children have been ‘showing racism the red card’ with the help of three former professional footballers.
Paul Mortimer, Olivier Bernard and Christian Roberts were on the Island promoting the ‘Show racism the red card’ initiative, a charity that produces anti-racist educational resources and harnesses the power of high profile professional footballers to help combat racism.
Barclays Wealth supported the visit as part of its commitment to diversity across all areas of the business while striving to build a workforce that reflects the communities in which the business operates.
The Show Racism the Red Card team visited pupils at Ballakermeen, St Ninian’s High Schools and Ashley Hill Primary School and held a special session at the National Sports Centre for children from Onchan and St John’s primary schools.
Christian, Paul and Olivier played fun football games with the pupils before providing them with an introduction to the subject of racism and its origins, causes and practical ways to combat it. The children were also given the opportunity to ask any questions they had on the topic of racism.
Jane Taylor, whose son Charlie attended one of the sessions, said, “The visit by the Show Racism the Red Card team was a great success. Charlie really enjoyed the football, but I was surprised by the conversation we had on the way home.
“It was clear that the experience had raised a lot of questions in his mind. At 10 years of age many are unaware of the hurt/offence/upset that certain words and actions can cause. He learnt a lot in a very short space of time and it was evident that it wasn’t limited to racism issues but also about the whole approach to playing sport of any kind.”
While on the Island a seminar was hosted at the Manx Museum for Isle of Man Football Association referees and club secretaries, ladies team representatives and Barclays Wealth staff on the subject of racism in sport.
Simon Scott, managing director of Barclays Wealth in the Isle of Man, said, “We are committed to promoting diversity and seek to work in partnership with charitable organisations to help others in our community. The Show Racism the Red Card initiative provided the opportunity to do both of these things.
“The children present at the sessions were given learning resource materials so that they can continue to explore the subject at home and in their lessons at school. It is hoped that this continued education will help to get the message across to children at a young age and help them to accept all cultures and groups.”
Stuart Nelson, Head of Community Affairs added, “I would like to thank the Sefton Group, and Flybe for their generosity in this initiative - without their support these events would not have been possible.”
