The FA’s Customer Relations Unit continues to support Thurrock Tigers FC’s annual Kick It Out tournament, during the Week of Action.
The FA acknowledges that support for community-focused projects linked to the theme of The FA’s Football For All campaign are very important in order to eradicate issues within football.
Football For All is a campaign which The FA uses to stamp out discrimination in any form, be it discrimination in terms of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, ability, nationality and ethnic origin. Football is a game for everyone to enjoy.
In October 2005, Thurrock Tigers held their first Kick It Out tournament with the support of The FA. The tournament was held to raise the awareness of the “Kick Racism Out Of Football” initiative. Kick It Out is a nationwide initiative which is supported by every single professional football club in England. The tournament raised over £1500, with all proceeds being donated to charity.
This prompted Thurrock Tigers to make this an annual event with the continued support of The FA.
The October 2006 Kick It Out tournament was held at the Thames Rugby Club in South Ockendon, Essex. Koye Sowemimo from The FA’s Customer Relations Unit attended the tournament supported at management level by Sir Trevor Brooking, The FA’s Director of Football Development and Simon Johnson, Director of Corporate Affairs.
There were over 600 people involved on the day including 32 teams participating in the boys and girls competition from U9 - U12.
The FA Cup and The FA Community Shield both made an appearance to support the Tigers, who were this year raising money for the British Heart Foundation. As well as this, prizes donated from The FA’s Commercial and Team Administration departments were awarded to individual winners as well as team winners.
The tournament was kicked-off by Sir Trevor Brooking and he offered all participants a few words of wisdom.
Despite the weather, there was a lot of excitement amongst all involved. We should not forget the staff, referees and officials that volunteered to get involved and support the community. The tournament ended with presentations and prize giving by Simon Johnson and Koye Sowemimo.
Simon Johnson said: “The FA continues to support community projects and believes that everyone that wants to be involved in the game at any level should be whether you participate or support."
This Kick It Out tournament epitomises everything The FA believes can be achieved through football and we are delighted to be part of this.
Koye Sowemimo will continue to work with Thurrock Tigers to ensure that general awareness continues to be raised on issues within football and continue to promote the work of The FA’s Customer Relations Unit.