The FA Charity of the Year 2011
Support for Show Racism the Red Card's bid to become FA Charity of the Year continues to grow.
More on this article...
After our most successful season to date, Show Racism the Red Card is lobbying to become the FA's Charity of the Year.
Later this year the FA will decide which charity will become their official charity partner for 2011. The imcumbent charities include Street League, Everyman, The Geoff Thomas Foundation and Coaching for Hope.
All charities go through a stringent process to become official FA partners and as well as a five figure financial donation from The FA's Community Shield Fund, all charities willl benefit from a direct association with the FA. This can only strengthen our campaign and our work to educate against the dangers of racism.
We have already had fantastic support for this bid from the Professional Footballers' Association Chief Executive, Gordon Taylor who said: " The PFA and I would be delighted to support your application to be FA charity of the year 2011."
Long-standing supporter and patron the campaign, Gary Linekar has also offered his support and says, "I will do what I can" in support of our application.
Former England Manager, Graham Taylor, said: "You have my support in your bid to become FA Charity of the Year. I can think of no other charity that has worked so hard and so successfully in showing racism the red card in football - and quite rightly so! Good luck with your bid."
Sunderland Chairman and SRtRC Patron Niall Quinn said: "The education that Show Racism the Red Card provide to children is valuable not only within sport but within any walk of life as we aim to put a stop to anti-social and discriminatory behaviour... as the charity strives forward I am delighted to continue my support in your 15th year, building on your many successes."
Our Honourary President, Shaka Hislop said: "I have been involved with Show Racism the Red Card for nearly 15 years now. Over the years I have seen it grow, I have seen the thousands of lives that it has touched, I know exactly how those lives have touched me. As Britain continues to lead the way in race relations and acceptance, Show Racism the Red Card continues to play its part in ensuring the nation's children all smile together."
Newcastle United Manager, Chris Hughton, said: "Having worked closely with you over a number of years I am aware first hand of the superb work you do, particularly in educating young people and giving them a greater understanding of anti-racism issues. I wish you every success."
Sam Allardyce, Manger of Blackburn Rovers gave this endorsement: "On behalf of Blackburn Rovers FC, may I add my support and wish you all the very best with your application and hope your ambition soon becomes a reality."
Milan Mandaric, Chairman of Leicester City FC had this to say: "Leicester City FC has worked with Show Racism the Red Card for a number of years and we have also been fortunate to host and participate in a number of your events at the Walkers Stadium. We would be very happy to support you bid and hope your application is successful."
West Bromwich Albion, Preston North End and Wrexham FC have all pledged their support along with Show Racism the Red Card patron and manager of Birmingham City, Alex McLeish, Notts County Manager, Craig Short and their Chairman, Ray Trew.
Dave Anderson, MP for Blaydon said: "For many years I have been involved with this organisation, who do a tremendous job in using footballers to educate our young people about discrimination. They have progressed from being a local based group to one that has huge international recognition. I give them my support in this bid and I would urge you to help them in anyway you can."
Dave Anderson MP has also put forward an Early Day Motion in Parliament in support of our bid. This has been seconded by Peter Bottomley MP, Stephen Hepburn MP, Clive Betts MP, Mike Gapes MP, Ian Mearns MP and Ian Lavery MP and it's mention in the House of Commons has encouraged further support from Parliamentarians and we hope more members will continue to add their support. So far 42 MPs have signed the motion.
An example of support received from this Early Day Motion from Grahame Morris MP for Easington: "The work undertook by Show Racism the Red Card is an inspiration to us all. I have no hesitation in supporting your bid to become FA Charity of the Year and extend my congratulations on the fantastic work you do in our communities to produce social inclusion and tolerance through education and the power of sport."
Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central said, "I am delighted to support Show Racism the Red Card in applying to become the FA Charity of the year. The work of giving young people anti-racist education in an enjoyable way together with fitness coaching by ex-professional footballers works in an excellent way to reduce racism across communitites as well as at football matches."
The Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson MP, has, as a result of the Early Day Motion, pledged his support and speaks of our work as an "enormous benefit to sport and to wider society."
And the Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Miliband MP has given his support as he has seen the work done by Show Racism the Red Card in his constituency. Mr Miliband said "We are delighted to support Show Racism the Red Card who have been working in South Tyneside since 2005. I know that in the last year 1,700 pupils across the borough have benefited from receiving education about combating racism." The full article can be read here.
Brendon Batson, former professional footballer and patron has also backed our bid saying: "I have been involved with Show Racism the Red Card since 1997 when I appeared on their second film and have been impressed with their progress year on year since. Whilst they have remained true to their original mission statement to 'combat racism through using the high profile of professional footballers' they have as an organisation always been very proactive in developing new areas of work. I fully support their bid to become FA Charity of the Year for 2011 and hope in doing so this very worthwhile campaign continues in to its 15th year with yet another year of growth."
Former Chairman of the PFA and now FA Tesco Skills Coach, Chris Freestone has said: "I believe that Show Racism the Red Card is a very worthy recipient of the Charity of the Year Award 2011 for all the excellent work they do within schools, clubs and the community which is invaluable in erasing racism from football and society."
Paul Elliott, former Aston Villa, Celtic and Chelsea player who has featured on several Show Racism the Red Card films and attended numerous events said, "Show Racism the Red Card is a fantastic resource that does exactly what it says on the tin and much more. It uses footballers as role models and it has a unique power to educate, empower and engage young people. It started as an acorn 15 years ago and has now formed a tree. I am honoured to have been included in that remarkable journey."
We have also had plenty of support from our regional and trade union partners. Long standing partner of the campaign Sarah Lee, Head of Ethnicity, Culture & Achievement Service at Nottinghamshire County Council said: "With your support, my service has been able to enjoy considerably more success in challenging racism in Nottinghamshire. The passion and commitment which characterises your organisation is inspiring and has helped to keep us all motivated to tackle this agenda during particularly difficult times."
We would like to ask all our funders, sponsors and friends of the campaign for similar messages of endorsement. If you or your organisation has a few words of support please email them to info@theredcard.org or call 0191 257 8519.
Many thanks.
