Faith in Football

Faith in Football Working Group

The Faith in Football Working Group was established in June 2011. The aim of the group

is to use football to advise the FA on breaking down barriers and promoting social cohesion across faith based communities
to advises the FA on religious and faith based issues which impacts on those communities and
on opportunities for communities to participate in the game, who have previously not engaged.

These aims are achieved though education and faith based football related activities.

What are we trying to achieve?

Football creates unique opportunities for people of different faiths and beliefs to come together and enjoy the game. The FA along with its stakeholders are seeking to use education to break down barriers between people of different faiths and religions in a safe and fun environment.

Faith in Football Education Programme

Over the past twelve months, the working group has showcased its Faith in Football education programme. The aim of this project is to deliver a joint partnership supported pilot between the FA, Wembley Learning Zone and Three faiths forum that brought together three single faith schools from the Catholic, Jewish and Muslim communities to Wembley, engaging sixty 5-6 year olds four times over 12 months.

Amongst some of the projects achievements were:

100% attendance at the four linking sessions at Wembley involving 3 primary schools from the London Borough of Brent. These included St. Monica’s Catholic School, Al Sadiq and Al Zahra School and the North West London Jewish Day School
60 children participated in the link programme
60 children and 60 parents gained a broader understanding of different faith based groups and tolerance of different communities
60 children of Catholic, Jewish and Muslim faiths have engaged with the Tesco Skills Programme
60 children have developed a heightened awareness of each of their counterparts faith
60 children and 60 parents completed the Wembley tour
60 children successfully completed the programme

Who are the stakeholders?

Kick it Out - www.kickitout.org
Asia Europe - http://www.oneculture.tv/
Muslim Women Sports Foundation - http://www.mwsf.org.uk/
Three Faith Forums www.threefaithsforum.org.uk
Osmani Trust - http://www.osmanitrust.org/
Wembley Learning Zone - http://wembleystadium.com/Organisation/Local-Communities
Members from the FA Race Equality Advisory Group
Metropolitan Police Safe Neighborhood Teams

Faith in Football at Wembley Stadium

On 20 June 2012, 60 year 5 students from Muslim, Christian and Jewish faith schools across London met at Wembley Stadium for a Faith and Football schools linking day. Read more about this event by clicking here

Islamophobia education pack

An Islamophobia education pack produced by Show Racism the Red Card which aims to familiarise young people with the causes and consequences of Islamophobia.

Please click here to download

Islamophobia film trailer

A short film produced by Show Racism the Red Card, featuring the views of many top players and also young people discussing their experiences of and views on Islamophobia

Please click here to view on YouTube

Rivals Not Enemies - film preview

A short educational film produced by Show Racism the Red Card, featuring top Scottish footballers and celebrities on the issue of Sectarianism in football.

Please click here to view on YouTube