Swans Foundation Marks Black History Month with Premier League Kicks Workshop
Swansea City AFC Foundation welcomed young people from its Premier League Kicks programme to the Swansea.com Stadium during October half-term for a special event marking Black History Month.
The event brought together participants from across the Foundation's Premier League Kicks sessions for a day of education, engagement and football, highlighting the importance of equality, respect and inclusion both on and off the pitch.
As part of the day, Show Racism the Red Card delivered an interactive workshop exploring racism, discrimination and the impact these can have on individuals and communities.
The session encouraged young people to take part in meaningful discussions, challenge stereotypes and develop a greater understanding of how they can help tackle discrimination and promote positive change within their communities.
Tom Knight, Campaign Worker at Show Racism the Red Card Wales, said:
“As part of Show Racism the Red Card Wales’ Month of Action, we supported Premier League Kicks participants with vital anti-racism education linked to the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign.
“It’s essential that organisations like Swansea City FC, Swansea City Foundation, Show Racism the Red Card and Premier League Foundation work collaboratively to tackle societal issues together. We educated and empowered the young people to challenge racism, providing them with the tools to promote equality and create positive, lasting change both on and off the pitch.”
Following the workshop, participants were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Swansea.com Stadium, offering a unique opportunity to explore the home of the Swans.
The young people also enjoyed a range of activities in the stadium's Family Zone, located in the South Stand, providing an opportunity to socialise and enjoy the facilities alongside fellow Premier League Kicks participants.
South Wales Police were also in attendance, hosting an awareness stand to engage with young people and highlight the importance of recognising, challenging and reporting hate crime.
Officers spoke with participants about the impact of hate crime, the importance of speaking out and the support available to those who experience or witness discrimination.
Paul Smith, South Wales Police, said:
“It was a pleasure to attend the Swansea.com Stadium for Premier League Kicks Stadium Day, alongside Show Racism the Red Card.
“The youths who attended were all engaged in the event, sharing knowledge and learning how to appropriately challenge racism.
“We encourage anybody who has experienced or witnessed hate crime to report it. Reporting hate crime helps us support victims, support communities, and take action against offenders.”
To round off the day, participants headed to the Joma High Performance Centre to watch Swansea City Under-21s take on Charlton Athletic.
The young Swans secured an entertaining 3–2 victory, providing a fitting end to a day that combined important educational messages with memorable football experiences.
The event reflected the Foundation's ongoing commitment to using the power of football to bring young people together, promote equality and inclusion, and create positive opportunities beyond the pitch.
Through initiatives such as Premier League Kicks, Swansea City AFC Foundation continues to provide young people with opportunities to develop confidence, build relationships and gain valuable life skills, while encouraging them to make a positive difference in their communities.