Trust Promotes Inclusion in Football

Following the unsavoury scenes witnessed in Bulgaria recently, the Community Trust has been actively promoting the message that no matter who you are or where you come from,…

Following the unsavoury scenes witnessed in Bulgaria recently, the Community Trust has been actively promoting the message that no matter who you are or where you come from, football in Chesterfield is accessible for all.

Our annual Kick it Out fixture took place recently when Notts County visited the Proact, with flag bearers proudly displaying the Kick It Out flag, showing the nation, live on BT Sports, that we stand with our BAME friends, promoting inclusion and respect in football.

Recent outreach work promoting education around equality and black history saw the Trust visit the following five schools during October, in association with the African Caribbean Community Association (ACCA): Newbold Church School, Staveley Junior School, New Bolsover Primary School, Brimington Junior School and Stonelow Junior School.

The visits promoted Black History Month, talking about inspirational BAME figures, both in the UK and worldwide, particularly in sports, together with the Windrush generation. Lud Ramsey, chairman of the ACCA, shared his personal story, including footage of his appearances on Gladiators and Ninja Warrior!

Samantha Spyve, deputy headteacher at New Bolsover School, said: “It was absolutely brilliant, the children were really engaged and asked interesting questions. They loved looking at Lud’s medals and hearing about his career and achievements and watching the Gladiators footage.”

Keith Jackson, head of sport and activities at the Community Trust, said: “Equality, inclusion and respect are part of our core values and our recent work during Black History Month is a small part of an ongoing education and PHSE project that we run in schools.

“We’re proud to be proactive in celebrating our heritage, culture and diversity in Chesterfield and want to be at the forefront of promoting this message of acceptance.”