Piper Delivers Equality Workshop To Grassroots Coaches

- Workshop was part of LCFC’s non-matchday activity to celebrate Kick It Out’s 25th anniversary
- Event took place at Matt Piper’s FSD Academy at Highfield Rangers FC
- Kick It Out are at the heart of the drive towards equality, inclusion and cohesion 

The event took place at Piper’s FSD Academy at Highfield Rangers Football Club and was part of LCFC’s non-matchday activity to celebrate Kick It Out’s 25th anniversary.

Piper’s workshop discussed equality, appropriate and inappropriate language and reporting procedures, while reflecting on racism and discrimination during his playing career.

All coaches in attendance had recently been to LCFC’s ‘Your 90 Minutes’ consultation event about grassroots football and highlighted the need for more education and workshops related to racism and discrimination in football.

Matt told LCFC TV: "I thought maybe two or three would turn up... but we had 10 with us. They were from lots of different ethnic backgrounds so it was really good to have a constructive conversation.

"One of the important things is to have a safe space when you’re talking about discrimination issues, racial issues, highly emotive issues.

"If people don’t feel safe in the environment to say what they think, so we can all educate ourselves together, you’re not going to get the full thoughts of the people that are coming along, so it was brilliant that we had that safe space."

Kick It Out has been at the heart of the drive towards equality, inclusion and cohesion for everyone who plays, watches or works in football since 1993.

The organisation has provided a clear, independent voice within the game to challenge discrimination and exclusion, as well as education for professional players, clubs, fans, grassroots organisations and beyond.

The organisation also provides mentoring and guidance to help underrepresented groups participate in football and secure opportunities to develop a career in the game.