The Football Association’s proud partnership with the Holocaust Education Trust continued with its 2012 Appeal Dinner in central London.

Club England Managing Director Adrian Bevington was present for the special event at The Savoy which included a video message of support from Roy Hodgson.

The England Manager took time out from his World Cup qualifying preparations to personally endorse the HET’s important work.

Working across the UK, the HET educates about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance. The work plays a critical role in combating anti-semitism, racism and prejudice in society today.

The FA forged close links with the organisation ahead of England’s participation at the UEFA Euro 2012 Finals this summer, and it led to the 23-man squad and backroom staff being addressed by survivor Zigi Shipper before a party of players and coaches visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland. Shipper also spoke to FA staff at Wembley.

Guests at Tuesday’s dinner heard from HET Chairman Paul Phillips how it will continue to work together with The FA through a legacy film and an educational resource for schools.

Bevington said: “We look forward to building on our relationship with HET. They do such valuable work in helping to educate and inform about the lessons of the Holocaust.

“It is vital we at The FA play our part in helping to spread the word, and we feel we can do this by using football as a way of reaching out to young people. All of us who visited the Auschwitz-Birkeneau camps in the summer were deeply moved by the experience and fully understand the importance of why we should never forget.”

Those present on the night also watched a special Appeal 2012 video featuring the experiences of more than 20 survivors sharing their personal stories and hopes for the future.

Karen Pollock, HET Chief Executive, thanked The FA for its “incredible support” while encouraging all football fans to spare ten minutes to watch it for themselves. You can view the film here and also keep in touch via the Twitter page @HolocaustUK, which includes the video message from the England manager.

In his video, Hodgson said: “I just wanted to say how much we at England appreciate the work done by HET and the support we were given in the summer.

“It was really fantastic to meet the survivors of the Holocaust, to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, and learn so much more about all the good work done by the HET. I wish you continued success with your project, which is such a worthwhile one.”