Hope backs Kick It Out campaign

Kick It Out’s annual Weeks of Action begin today with the England Women's National Coach, Hope Powell, lending her support to this year’s anti-racism in football campaign.

The Weeks of Action run from 13-31 October and Hope commented:

“The FA, like Kick It Out, is committed to football for all, and inclusion across all areas of our game.

“The weeks of action is a great way of spreading that message across the country. We’re behind initiatives such as COACH, which aims to encourage more managers and coaches from black, Asian and other minority backgrounds to get qualified and hopefully the Weeks of Action will inspire more people to volunteer, become a referee, or sign up for a coaching course.”

Remaining one of the most highly visible community and social inclusion campaigns in the world, the Weeks of Action will see grassroots football join the professional game, as well as teams and leagues across the continent, for a united stand against any discrimination taking root within the sport.

Throughout the 18-day period, professional clubs will be making their own contribution by holding match day events at their dedicated One Game, One Community weeks of action fixture, with a horde of teams already confirming the activity they will be undertaking. At grassroots level, a number of thought leadership seminars, football tournaments and fan and community-led activity will take place.

Once again, the campaign will be calling upon the support of its club ambassadors during the weeks of action. This year, they are as diverse as ever, with Newcastle United brothers Shola and Sammy Ameobi, Nottingham Forest midfielder Guy Moussi, Colchester United’s Kemal Izzet and Cheltenham Town ace Kaid Mohamed, all on board. They’ll be donning brand new One Game, One Community t-shirts, helping to deliver the message of inclusion to fans in the stands, and in homes, everywhere.

To view all events taking place during the weeks of action, and to see how you can get involved, visit www.kickitout.org