Empowering Safe Play: Goals Partners with Kick It Out for an Inclusive Football Environment

Introduction:

In the world of sports, inclusivity and a commitment to diversity are vital components of creating a positive and safe environment for players. Goals, a leading provider of small-sided football facilities, recognises the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for everyone on the field. In a groundbreaking move, Goals has joined forces with Kick It Out, a prominent organization dedicated to promoting equality and inclusivity in football. This partnership aims to enhance the football experience at Goals by ensuring a safe and welcoming space for players of all backgrounds.

We are proud to partner with Kick It Out to tackle discrimination in grassroots football. We share their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all players, regardless of their background. We are working together to raise awareness of the issue, improve reporting procedures, and take action against perpetrators. We believe that everyone has the right to enjoy football free from discrimination, and we will continue to work with Kick It Out to make this a reality. You can read more about the partnership between The FA and Kick It Out in tackling discrimination here: https://www.thefa.com/news/2023/nov/17/grassroots-action-plan

Promoting Inclusivity:

One of the primary objectives of the Goals and Kick It Out partnership is to promote inclusivity within the football community. This collaboration strives to break down barriers and eliminate discrimination, creating an environment where players from diverse backgrounds can come together to enjoy the beautiful game without fear of prejudice.

Protected Characteristics

It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of:

• age
• gender reassignment
• being married or in a civil partnership
• being pregnant or on maternity leave
• disability
• race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

 

In focus on this edition: ‘Sexual Orientation’. 

Goals and Kick It Out underscore their commitment to eliminating discrimination and creating a space where players, regardless of their sexual orientation, feel not only welcome but embraced. This dedicated focus involves educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, and the implementation of robust reporting mechanisms to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, promoting a football environment that celebrates diversity in all its forms. We expect all of our members and guests to respect each other and our staff, any form of sexual orientation discrimination will not be tolerated.  

Education and Awareness:

To achieve this goal, Goals and Kick It Out are committed to raising awareness and educating players, staff, and the broader community about the importance of inclusivity. Through workshops, training sessions, and informative materials, the partnership aims to foster understanding and empathy, encouraging everyone associated with Goals to actively contribute to a culture of acceptance and respect.

Reporting Mechanisms:

Safety is a cornerstone of any positive sporting environment. The collaboration between Goals and Kick It Out places a strong emphasis on providing effective reporting mechanisms for incidents of discrimination, harassment, or any behaviour that goes against the values of inclusivity. By implementing clear procedures and support systems, the partnership ensures that concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.

Diverse Representation:

Representation matters, both on and off the pitch. Goals and Kick It Out are committed to promoting diversity in leadership roles, staff, and marketing materials. This commitment helps create an environment where players from all walks of life can see themselves reflected in the football community, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.

In Conclusion:

In coming together, Goals and Kick It Out are taking a significant step towards creating a footballing environment that is not only thrilling and competitive but also safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to the values of equality and respect, reinforcing the idea that football is a sport for everyone. As Goals and Kick It Out continue to work hand in hand, the future of football looks brighter and more inclusive than ever before.

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For partnership opportunities, please contact:

Simon Critchett

Commercial Sales Manager
GOALS
Tel: 01355 340 264
simon@goalsfootball.co.uk

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For media enquiries, please contact:

Corrie Kane-Thom

National Marketing Manager
GOALS
Tel: 01355 340 260
corrie@goalsfootball.co.uk