We’ll blow final whistle on racism

Nov 4 2008 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

THE next generation of stars at St Mirren FC were given the best possible grounding at Ferguslie Sports Centre astroturf, thanks to the club’s backing of the Show Racism the Red Card initiative.

Just like the St Mirren first team players, who lent their support to the initiative before Saturday’s SPL match with Hibs, the youngsters, who attend the club’s popular soccer coaching camps, were also given the opportunity to kick racism into touch.

The kids thoroughly enjoyed being put through their paces during the coaching sessions at the Paisley sports centre.

The camps, delivered by the trusted St Mirren community coaches, not only promoted the positive active lifestyle message but also reinforced the message to children that racism and bigotry should have no place in modern society.

The children were only too happy to take part in the fortnight of action.

They donned Show Racism the Red Card jerseys and the hope is that the message will spread until racism and bigotry are firmly consigned to the past.

A spokesman for Ferguslie Sports Centre said: “The children had a great time learning new football skills and improving on their existing ones but the message about showing Racism the Red Card was also foremost on the agenda.

“Our thanks go to all the children who took part, the community coaches at St Mirren and to the Show Racism the Red Card campaign, who helped supply the kids with educational material.”

Billy Singh, co-ordinator of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign, added: “Show Racism the Red Card is calling upon people from all sections of the community to take a united stance against racism.

“Last year’s series of events was a great success, with more than 500 actions involving minority ethnic groups, community organisations, all 42 professional clubs, football fans, schools and young people nationwide.

“This year’s Show Racism the Red Card Fortnight of Action also provided a timely focal point for all those who are committed to challenging racism and discrimination in Scotland.”