Foxes Legend Wes Morgan Shares No Room For Racism Message To Leicester Youngsters
- Wes Morgan met students at Thomas Estley Community College on Friday
- He took part in a Q&A session with young people on the Inspires programme
- The visit was part of the Club’s support for No Room for Racism and Black History Month
The Foxes legend – who was part of the City side who won the Emirates FA Cup for the first time last term – took questions from youngsters on the Premier League Inspires programme.
He was asked about the challenges he faced during his career, before students then had the chance to talk about race and diversity from their own perspectives and experiences, with the aim of building positive confidence and self-esteem around the subject.
Furthermore, the former City defender spoke about the importance of allyship and why everybody has a responsibility to stand up to all forms of discrimination, while praising footballers for the role they play in helping to tackle racism.
He said: “It was really good to be invited along today to meet the students. They had some challenging questions to ask, but some very important questions at the same time, and it was nice to be able to give them an insight into my career and for me to share some of my experiences.
“Things have changed a lot since I started out as a footballer. If someone was to receive racist abuse when I was a young player, more often than not it would be ignored, but we don’t have to accept that sort of behaviour now.
“We’ve come a long way and there’s ways now to report any sort of discriminatory abuse, which is really important.
“Actions such as taking the knee have also helped to encourage discussions around the subject, and events like this one today are a great way of continuing the conversation and to look at ways how racism can be combatted.”
The Inspires programme uses the appeal of the Premier League and Leicester City to support 11-25-year-olds who are marginalised or at risk of not reaching their potential; supporting them as they move through the education system and early adulthood.
Darcy, Year 8 pupil at Thomas Estley Community College, said: “The session was really good because Wes told us so many valuable things. We discussed how we can challenge racism and make a difference to become better people.
“Meeting Wes was so inspiring, and I was really surprised to see him when he came through the door. To have someone like him come to talk to us was so special and it’ll be something we won’t forget.”
Through the No Room for Racism campaign, the Premier League and its clubs work with fans, the FA, EFL, PFA, Kick It Out and the police to tackle racism on and off the pitch, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across all areas of football.
Mandi Collins, Principal at Thomas Estley Community College, added: “Black History Month is a real opportunity for us to talk to our students about equality and diversity, which is a huge positive difference in every arena of life now.
“This session helped to underline that and listening to Wes talk about some of the barriers he’s broken through was really educational for our young people.
“It’s a difficult time for youngster at the moment, so it’s vital that they understand the importance of kindness, perseverance and belief that things will work out in a positive way.”
During October, coaches from Leicester City in the Community – the Football Club’s charitable arm – have delivered lessons on Black History Month to hundreds of local school children as part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme.
Leicester City is committed to creating a passionate, inclusive and welcoming environment. Should anyone experience any form of harassment, discrimination or bullying in a Leicester City setting, please contact help@lcfc.co.uk or call 0344 815 5000 (option four).
On a matchday at King Power Stadium, you can speak to your nearest steward, or report any form of discrimination or hate crime by texting FOXES followed by your message and seat details to 60066.
Please click HERE for more information about No Room For Racism.