Fulham FC Community Sports Trust uses sport as a vehicle to promote racial awareness and has developed a unique initiative called “Different Cultures – Same Game” which aims to unite communities and create ethnic harmony via a series of tournaments, festivals and educational projects.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with Western Union, has already benefitted over 25,000 children and was recognised with a Governement award in 2004.
Different Cultures – Same Game is in its fourth year and aims to deliver social inclusion and outreach activities to a diverse range of ethnic origins in eight boroughs across London and Surrey. The objective is to redress the lack of ethnic participation in football activities, including attendance at matches and also challenge the shortage of black and Asian representation at coaching and administrative level.
During October 2006 the Community Sports Trust ran a series of events to highlight the campaign, including a Fulham schools 6 a side tournament, an educational talent contest and a freestyle competition with Community Ambassador, Mr Woo. The Club donated 500 tickets to the Wigan match to local ethnic community groups.
Fulham Football Club practises a zero tolerance policy towards racism and racial abuse.
All supporters are asked to join with the Club in promoting racial awareness and creating an environment in which all individuals from any ethnic origin can feel comfortable.
“Racism on any level is totally unacceptable and in light of recent events at football games in Europe I am proud that my club is leading the way in condemning its practice. At Fulham we will not tolerate any from of racial abuse on the pitch or in the stands, but on a larger scale we must join together in abolishing this evil that infiltrates our society” Mohamed Al Fayed, Chairman Fulham Football Club.
Henk Elzenga, Managing Director FEXCO MT, Western Union's UK representative said: “Our fourth year sponsorship of Fulham FC's Community Sports Trust gives us great pleasure as we are able to promote such a positive message to children of all backgrounds, through the game of football. That First Data Western Union Foundation is matching the funds, which means the potential to build on previous years is immense and with the plans in place for this season there is no doubt the community activities will be a great success."
Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Councillor Minnie Scott Russell, said:
"This was a wonderful event and the children had put together a great variety of work and performances. The Fulham Football Club Skills and Learning Centre is a valuable partnership between the club and the council which engages local children and young people in educational, creative and sports-related activities to raise their achievement. Both the centre and the club are extremely pro-active in supporting football's national anti-racism campaign and the council fully supports their efforts to promote understanding and harmony in our community."
