02.07.2014

Australian clubs get behind anti-racism campaign

Five football clubs of the South Eastern Australian state of Victoria have taken the pledged to tackle racism by joining the ‘Don’t Stand By.Stand Up!’ campaign, which empowers clubs and players to safely intervene when cases of racism are witnessed.

Hume City FC, FC Williamstown, Keilor Wolves SC, Sunbury United and Fawkner SC have successfully completed a checklist of requirements in support of the initiative, which includes a minimum of two club representatives registering for a Respect and Responsibility course, promotion of the campaign on the club’s Facebook page, the completion of an online survey and display of anti-racism resources in the club's facilities.

The campaign is a joint initiative between Football Federation Victoria (FFV), the state’s football governing body, and the health promotion foundation VicHealth, and aims to support the football community in responding and intervening safely when race-based discrimination is seen or heard.

Currently, 13 other clubs of the FFV are undertaking the pledge process.

"Our club is located in Victoria's most diverse community, Brimbank City Council, and we're proud of the diversity around us. The campaign is a great cause and it allows local clubs, including relatively small ones like us compared to our surrounding National Premier League neighbours, for our voice to be heard within the community.” said Keilor Wolves Soccer Club vice-president Steven Talevski.

"The biggest thing we have taken away from the campaign is the unanimous support against racism by all our members, players, supporters and parents.

"It's been fantastic to see not only our senior men and women get behind the event, but all our juniors and small-sided football kids. This campaign not only gives us as a committee a chance to say no to racism, but it also gives everyone connected to our club the opportunity.”

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