Frank Nouble and Omar Sowunmi join Paul Parker at Premier League Primary Stars event
Colchester United FITC staff teamed up recently with the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity Show Racism the Red Card as part of the club’s Premier League Primary Stars programme.
The aim of the event was to provide local children with a collapsed curriculum afternoon hosted at The Job Serve Community Stadium, highlighting and educating all in attendance around racism and discrimination, from the causes, impact and how to challenge examples that may occur in our communities.
Children from three local Tendring Primary Schools attended, Elmstead Primary, Two Village Primary and Holland Park, with all taking part in fun and engaging activities hosted by Colchester United FITC Coaches and Show Racism the Red Card staff.
Mr MacDonald, Headteacher of Elmstead Primary School, said of the event: “The children found this event very engaging and it made them think about racism and stereotypes within our community and how to challenge them."
"The activities delivered were very thought provoking and the outcomes linked positively to the PSHE lessons we deliver in school.”
The children were joined by former England International Full Back Paul Parker, who works very closely with the charity and spreading it message to people across the country.
Colchester United stars Frank Nouble and Omar Sowunmi also attended and all three provided the children with a Q&A session, discussing personal experiences of racism and discrimination and passing on advice on how to challenge this and deal with it appropriately.
Colchester United forward Frank Nouble added: “It’s important that we share our own experiences and how they made us feel. We want to stop all cases of racism and discrimination, and educating children will hopefully push us even further towards that goal."
"Children need to know that it’s wrong to use racist and abusive language. They also need to know who to turn to or speak to if they suffer it themselves.
"If we as footballers can help in any way, we certainly should and it was great to attend an event like this to see the hard work going on.”
All the children that attended were able to get pictures with Paul Parker and the Colchester United players, as well as get their memorabilia signed!
Premier League Primary Stars is a great way for local Primary Schools and children to access a wide range of educational events held locally and at the Job Serve Community Stadium!
If your school is interested in engaging with Colchester United FITC or attending any of its educational events, please contact Sam Beavis, Sport & Education Development Officer, on 01206 755160 or at sam.beavis@colchesterunited.net.