Feedback on the IFA’s inaugural Football For All Conference addressing the issues of sectarianism and racism in football, held in partnership with the University of Ulster’s School of Sport Studies, on Friday 30 March, at their Jordanstown campus confirms the event was a great success.
Two hundred people from the Football Family in Northern Ireland attended the event, with Representatives from Supporter bodies, senior Irish League Clubs, Boys Football and Grassroots Football all present. There was also Representatives from Dublin; Sport Against Racism Ireland, Show Racism the Red Card and the FAI; Glasgow; Old Firm Alliance (Glasgow Rangers and Glasgow Celtic’s anti-sectarian campaign) and; London; Kick it Out (Anti-Racism Football Campaign).
IFA Head of Community Relations, Michael Boyd, summarised the feedback received from the evaluation forms in the conference pack: “The feedback suggest the highlights of the day were the talks by former Republic of Ireland Manager, Brian Kerr, on the importance of tackling racism, the presentation by Jim Rainey on the great work the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs tackling the issue of sectarianism and the inspirational presentation by Chief Executive of Derry City FC, Jim Roddy, on the work that goes on at the Brandywell to promote Good Relations in the community. Overall feedback was very positive. Together we are making real progress promoting the Football For All message”.
Ex Republic of Ireland Manager, Brian Kerr, added, “I was proud to be asked to take part in the event. Football For All is playing an important role modernising the game of football in the North. I was particularly impressed with the proactive role the Northern Ireland Fans have taken to successfully tackle sectarianism. They deserve immense credit for driving Football For All forward”.
|
