Durham FA Celebrates Black History Month
Durham FA have been working with Young Asian Voices to host a Black History Month tournament on Wednesday 20th October at Ford Quarry Football Hub. The County FA has been working with Young Asian Voices for a number of years and this is the fifth tournament. The County FA recently worked with Young Asian Voices for volunteers to complete the BT Playmaker award.
6 teams took part on the day with over 80 players taking part on the day, which aimed to bring communities together using the power of football.
Sunderland Foundation of Light Scholars ran out eventual winners on the day and were presented with the trophy by Sunderland AFC legend and Durham County FA ambassador Gary Bennett.
The following comments appeared in the Sunderland Echo from Football Development Officer Dan McElhone:
Daniel McElhone, from the Durham Football Association, which helped coordinate the anti-racism event, highlighted ongoing discrimination problems within the amateur side of the game, urging any victims of abuse or harassment to come forward and report it to the local footballing body.
"Racism still exists in the grassroots game,” he said.
"We want to hear about any form of discrimination – whether it’s racism, homophobia or any other kind – as it’s something we take very seriously. The charges that come down on players, officials and spectators are severe and should serve as a deterrent.
"We’re proud to stand with organisations like Young Asian Voices and Show Racism The Red Card. Hopefully, together we can make the sport as inclusive as possible for as many people as we can.”
Mr McElhone added that the Durham FA would be working particularly hard to encourage more girls and women in the region to get involved with the sport over the coming years.
The article can be viewed in full here:
