Diversity Initiative Gains National Recognition
The Diversity Project initiated by the Brakes Trust, which was held at the Chorley game on 30th August, has helped to gain recognition for the Club nationally through the Fans for Diversity organisation which is part of the Football Supporters Association (FSA), of which the Trust is a member.
Prior to the Chorley game we worked very closely with Hannah Kumari, the Fans for Diversity Project Manager, with the intention of taking the first steps to encourage minority groups to attend matches as they are currently very under-represented in our fan base. For example Leamington has a 12.3% Asian population.
Accordingly contact was made with various minority groups within the town in order to make them aware of Leamington FC by inviting them to attend the Chorley match including putting on a dedicated coach for them to get to the ground. As a result we welcomed several groups both young and old to their first match at the Co-op Stadium. The initiative was endorsed by managers of both clubs and a supply of delicious samosas were handed out to fans as well as Fans for Diversity T-shirts. We hope all the new visitors enjoyed their day, which was helped by a last minute winner, and that we will see them again soon.
Both managers endorse the Fans for Diversity initiative before the Chorley game.
This was just the start of our local Fans for Diversity project and further events will be held throughout the season.
Having made this positive start it was appropriate for us to attend the Fans for Diversity national conference held at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Friday 26th September. Trust Chair, Andrew Calcutt, attended and summarised: “it was incredibly interesting day especially as we had been nominated for the ‘National Game and Non League’ Award. Whilst we didn’t take home the award this time being recognised alongside so many inspiring individuals, clubs, and organisations is an achievement in itself. We can do more and we will”.
The fans for Diversity Conference provided good insight on how to move forward with our Diversity project.
He continued: “A huge thank you to everyone who continues to support and champion inclusivity within football. It was a day to remember, celebrating the power of community, diversity, and the beautiful game.”
If you’d like to know more, have any ideas or want to get involved please get in touch with us.
We were proud that our efforts provided more national recognition for the Trust and the club as a whole.
