Tackling Discrimination in Sport: Developing Robust Strategies to Increase Inclusivity, Accessibility & Equality

On 28th October 2017 by Mark Walters

Harmful attitudes and behaviours including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and disability prejudice, are unacceptably prevalent within UK sport, serving as significant barriers to participation and wider involvement. Using football as an example, Kick it Out received 469 reports of discrimination during the 2016/17 season, compared to just 77 in 2012/13. In a recent BBC Radio 5 live survey, 50% of fans reported hearing homophobic abuse at matches, whilst 51% have heard sexist abuse and 59% racist abuse. However, discrimination extends beyond overtly prejudicial behaviour, and permeates the priorities of sports clubs in designing infrastructure and meeting the needs of fans. In August 2017, the Equality and Human Rights Commission accused the Premier League of neglecting disabled fans after only 11 of 20 clubs met requirements to improve accessibility at their grounds.

With the FA currently subject to criticism concerning its response to allegations of racism, this symposium will provide local authorities, national and local sporting organisations, NGBs, third sector groups, and other key stakeholders with a timely and invaluable opportunity to co-develop robust strategies for combating harmful attitudes in sport and increasing inclusivity, accessibility and equality across all ages and communities nationwide.

For more information and to register, please visit website.