Football Beyond Borders has teamed up with Gillette and Ian Wright to launch a brand new anti-racism training program, ‘Gamechangers’.
Racism in football has been a growing issue in recent seasons, including at this summer’s Euro 2020, after which Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all targeted after their missed penalties in the final.
Education is the answer?
This feels more important than ever! Check out our new Gamechangers program that celebrates Black British history being rolled out across our schools in London and Manchester.
Many thanks to @ IanWright0 & @ GilletteUK for making this possible! pic.twitter.com/q9yxZcwCLM
Soccer Outside Borders (@FBeyondBorders) July 22, 2021
For football outside the borders, the way to tackle the spiral issue is to educate today’s young people and with the help of Gillette and Wright, this is exactly what they hope the Gamechangers initiative will do.
The program, which will give young people the opportunity to study British black history, has been developed and developed by both FBB and Wright, whose contributions have helped to create a course that teaches the importance of the positive values and behaviors that contribute to a more fair and equal society.
Over 250 young people from 16 schools in Manchester and London have already gained access to the Gamechangers program, and there is also a condensed version that has been made available free of charge for teachers to use across the country.
The program includes seven segments that focus on the role models’ contributions – past and present – in British society, with an emphasis on those who have taken an active stand against racism and encouraged others to do the same, and look back on moments such as the Notting Hill Carnival and Bristol boycotts. 1963
“The Gamechangers program with Gillette and FBB is an important project for me and I am proud to be a part of something that celebrates contributions and success with role models throughout black British history,” says Wright.
I have said it before, but education is one of the most important areas that can help us move to a more equal and inclusive society, and if we are to support and equip the next generation, it is through programs like this. We did not learn about black history when I was in school and I often wonder what impact it may have had on my generation.
“It’s about supporting young people to understand their value, know the history and create a safe place for difficult conversations that help us move in the right direction.”
Made of what matters. A celebration of role models like @ sterling7 who inspire others to be the best versions of themselves. For each screening of the film this month, Gillette will donate to @footballbeyondborders to inspire the younger generation #madeofwhatmatters pic.twitter.com/TaawyX1ngS
– Gillette UK (@GilletteUK) February 7, 2020
Jasper Kain, founder of Football Beyond Borders, added: “The Gamechangers program feeds directly into our mission at FBB, which is to create a more equal and inclusive society that gives young people opportunities to thrive in education, work and public life.
“Our team created a powerful and positive work schedule with the support of Ian Wright and Gillette that will provide the next generation with knowledge and skills to promote equality and inclusion. This is an important moment for FBB and our contribution to the school curriculum – and We are already starting see what effects this program can have on young people in our network. ”
