King Tackles Bullying & Racism

- King answered questions from pupils from across the county to educate them against racism and homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying 

- King Power Stadium hosted workshops to explore stereotypes, evaluate language and terminology and reflect on prejudice 

Leicester City midfielder Andy King was on hand to help tackle racism and bullying at a Show Racism The Red Card workshop on Tuesday at King Power Stadium. 

The Academy graduate answered questions from pupils from across the county to educate them against racism and homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying. 

The free event for young people was held at King Power Stadium to explore stereotypes, evaluate language and terminology and reflect on prejudice. 

A question and answer session took place in the afternoon and the Wales international midfielder was more than happy to highlight a serious issue among young people. 

King said: “We’ve had a lot of young kids in here to understand racism and bullying and the consequences that it can have on people. 

“Some people might say things without really knowing what it means, but for the people they say it to is a big thing. It’s more about making them aware of what can happen. 

“The children get to speak to each other about what experiences they might have had or how it made them feel if they have ever heard anything. 

“It’s a good social experience as they’re able to bounce ideas off each other and if anyone is suffering from anything abusive, they can talk about it.” 

Show Racism The Red Card is a charity that formed in 1996 and established in the north-east of England. They work nationally with football clubs to speak to young people about racism and fittingly finished their 2015 workshops at Barclays Premier League leaders Leicester City. 

Show Racism The Red Card Campaign Coordinatior Gavin Sutherland said: “The event at King Power Stadium is part of a project that examines homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying. 

“We’ve had two workshops examining racism and bullying, which provides a good balance. We were of course joined by Andy King, who is took part in a Q&A with the young children here. 

“It has such a positive impact. We’ve always felt that professional footballers can have a hugely positive impact on young people. 

“Andy was brilliant with the young people. Some of his answers were fantastic and they’ll take a lot from that, particularly the big Leicester City supporters in the room.” 

Stonewall research in 2014 revealed almost nine in ten secondary school teachers (86 per cent) and almost half (45 per cent) of primary school teachers said pupils in their school, regardless of sexual orientation, have experienced homophobic bullying. 

LCFC In The Community Education Officer Jamie Skinner added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for our five partnership secondary schools to come and be part of this event at King Power Stadium. 

“All the children that attended have come from our Premier League funded projects. They are children from diverse communities that we have brought together and integrated within these wonderful workshops.”