Former professional footballers come together to launch Show Racism the Red Card annual school competition

Former footballers will come together later today (Monday) to launch the annual Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) school competition, which takes place next April.

Each year, SRtRC encourages young people from schools and other educational settings to produce creative work with an original anti-racism theme.

In England, Wales and Scotland a competition is held annually, and thousands of young people participate. The competitions are free to enter and open to young people of all ages and abilities.

Entrants can produce work in a wide range of media, including artwork, creative writing, film and music. The entries are consistently inspirational. SRtRC makes sure that many have a wider resonance by using them in educational resources and magazines, on the campaign’s website, social media channels, YouTube and in a special calendar.

All competition winners are invited to a special awards ceremony with prizes presented by special guests, including current and former professional footballers.

Former Chelsea FC players, Carlton Cole and Paul Cannoville, will be attending the launch event along with former Fulham FC players, Terry Angus and Alain Goma. Former Arsenal FC player, Rachel Yankey OBE, will also be in attendance to show her support.

Guests will arrive from 6pm onwards at UNISON’s HQ in London and the event will consist of a photo call and messages of support for the campaign.

Ged Grebby chief executive of Show Racism the Red Card said: “The school competition is one of the highlights of Show Racism the Red Card’s work and for the fourth year in a row we are launching it with UNISON at its HQ.

“Each year I continue to be amazed by the quality of the artwork, creative writing, and multi-media entries that the young people produce.”

Dave Prentis UNISON general secretary said: “I’m delighted UNISON is again hosting the launch of the school competition.

“At a time when racism and bigotry is on the rise, the work that Show Racism the Red Card does in schools is more important than ever.

“Education is at the heart of tackling intolerance, and I’m proud that UNISON continues to support this inspiring and much-needed work.”

The launch of the school competition 2019 will run from 6pm-8pm at UNISON, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY.

All guests will be available for photo opportunities, but interviews will be managed at each individual’s discretion. Representatives from Show Racism the Red Card will be available for comment during the event.

Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racism educational charity, founded in 1996, which uses the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society. The campaign’s primary output is the education given to young people and adults in their schools, workplaces and at events held in football stadiums around Britain.

Show Racism the Red Card works comprehensively across Great Britain and each season visits clubs in all four divisions in England to host educational events with local school pupils and professional footballers, ex-professionals, managers, coaches and high-profile members of the community.

UNISON is a supporter of SRtRC and is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.