THREE ex professional footballers have been on the Isle of Man to promote the ‘Show racism the red card’ initiative.

Local school children met former professionals Leroy Rosenior, Olivier Bernard and Christian Roberts who came to the Island to support the charity which 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.

Murrays Road Junior School was host to the team for a day at the end of the summer school term. Christian, Leroy and Olivier joined year 3 pupils from the school for a fun day of football fitness and a workshop that provided the children with an introduction to the subject of racism and its origins, causes and practical ways to combat it. 

Class teacher Tara Wescott said, “We have seen a steady increase in multi-cultural groups over the last few decades who have come to live and work on the Island and whilst racism is addressed in schools through Personal Social Health Education the impact of having this presented by high-profile individuals from ethnic backgrounds has been highly successful.” 

The day at Murrays Road School was followed by a second day of events hosted by the Manx Museum and attended by 200 primary school children from Murrays Road, St Mary’s, Arbory, Anagh Coar and Rushen Primary Schools.  The event was opened by Chris Robertshaw MHK and Carl Lawrenson from Barclays Wealth. 

“Barclays Wealth is committed to promoting diversity and seeks to work in partnership with charitable organisations to help others,” said Greg Ellison, Managing Director, Barclays Wealth. “Supporting the Give Racism the Red Card initiative provided the opportunity to do both of these things. We would like to thank the Manx Museum, Flybe and the Sefton Group for their contribution in helping to bring Christian, Olivier and Leroy to the Isle of Man.

“Each school has been provided with learning resource materials so that they can continue to explore the subject during their lessons in the new school year. We hope that this continued education will help to get the message across to children at a younger age and help them learn to accept all cultures and groups.”

After the event, children from St Marys School were given the opportunity to comment on what they had learned.

•  'It's not just about being black or white.' - Callum

•  ‘I learned what racism was all about and how it can affect people'  - Tiegan

•  'I really enjoyed the workshop; I liked the bags that we were all given too' - Olivia

•  'We should respect everyone.' - Shaun

•  'Racism occurs a lot on the football pitch.' - Conor

•  ‘Everything they (referring to the workshop as a whole) said was true' - Stanley