The Bluebirds this week teamed up with Anti Racist Cumbria to host a workshop for 50 schoolchildren from across the town to learn about and discuss discrimination.
In an initiative backed by Fans for Diversity, Anti Racist Cumbria’s education team visited The Dunes Hotel Stadium on Thursday to talk to youngsters about the differences between racist, non-racist and anti-racist.
Year 7 and 8 pupils from Dowdales School, Chetwynde School, Walney School and Furness Academy joined us for the workshop, which was specifically designed in a project cultivated by the Club’s All Bluebirds panel, the Community Trust, the Bluebirds Trust.
Acting as the first part of a broader ‘All Bluebirds, All Welcome’ campaign, the workshop saw experienced facilitators talk to the children to deepen their knowledge about racism and encourage them to continue the discussion with their friends, families, communities and schools.
“It was a delight to see how committed the pupils all were to engaging with Anti-Racist Cumbria,” explained Steve Herbert, Bluebirds Trust Chairman and one of the event’s main organisers.
“Thank must go to Cumbria Police and Fans for Diversity who provided brilliant financial and day-to-day support to help us drive the event forward and we are also grateful for the support of organisations such as Phil Collier Associates, Barrow Rotary and The General Burgoyne.
“A powerful, united message came from the children that Barrow AFC and Barrow itself is anti-racist and that means we need to build on the great work done on Thursday.
“Football is global, and it should be for everyone – all Bluebirds, new and old, are welcome at Barrow AFC.”
Janett Walker CEO & Co-Founder of Anti Racist Cumbria added: “These young people are a credit to Barrow. Intelligent and thoughtful, these pupils grasp and understand the concepts of racism and anti-racism as well, and sometimes better, than many adults!
“The workshops helped these young people understand that, whilst racism isn’t their fault, it is their responsibility, and we were inspired by the actions they will be taking into their schools and communities.
“Barrow should be rightfully proud of these youngsters, and we hope their schools, family and friends will support them as they share their vision for anti-racism in their town.”
We’re delighted that many of those who participated in the workshop on Thursday will be joining us at The Dunes Hotel Stadium on Saturday when they will be introduced on to the pitch at half time during our game against Walsall.