Delivered by the West Ham United Foundation and Show Racism The Red Card, this programme is designed to help young people understand the harm caused by division and hatred.

Inspirational presentations were given by former West Ham United footballer Leroy Rosenior MBE and Vice President of Show Racism the Red Card and, Cllr Yetunde Adeshile of Basildon Borough Council.

Students Finley Boshell and Hemanti Singh embraced the unique opportunity to ask West Ham United Footballer Ben Johnson questions in a live Q&A style activity that took place via video link.

Executive Headteacher Gary Smith and, Year 9 students Sabaun.A and Angelica.S were interviewed during the event by BBC presenter and professional footballer, Liam MacDevitt, about the impact and experience of the workshops. This interview was aired on BBCs Match of the Day on Sunday morning.

The event was made possible through the West Ham United Foundation and Show Racism The Red Card, who have been conducting workshops recently with Basildon Lower Academy students.  The interactive workshops have addressed stereotyping and where racist views might stem from.

“I thought that it was a wonderful experience. It was engaging and fun.” Chyanne.L                                                                                                    

“The opportunity we had to talk and listen to many different people was excellent and very educational. It taught me lots of things and I am very thankful for the chance.” Ellie.E

“The experience was very positive and taught us new things about equality. The workshop was fun.” Minal.B

“I learned lots of things like for example that it is not good to be racist and that some people do it because they are jealous. It was really nice.” Andreea.G

“I loved Friday because I saw one of my favourite defenders of all time and I learned a lot.” Sidney.W

“It was nice to have multiple people to listen to and have conversations with. Also, it was good because we all learnt new things.” Poppy.A

“It was really appreciative of the opportunity to speak to Ben Johnson. He has given me lots of inspiration to become a professional footballer when I am older. I also think it is very important that we learn how to combat racism and discrimination.”  Finley.B

“The West Ham United Foundation and Show Racism The Red Card have supported our academy values by providing programmes and workshops that enable young people to effectively, confidently and positively challenge racist and prejudicial ideas. Our students have proudly worked with and supported these campaigns throughout the autumn term and were excited and honoured to meet players from both the past and present West Ham United team. The partnership with our academies has been a real success and we will continue to work with and support their values.” Gary Smith - Executive Headteacher

Watch footage of our students appearance on Match of the Day: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/59524067

For more information about Show Racism the Red Cad and their Stop The Hate project visit: https://www.theredcard.org/news/2019/10/9/stop-the-hate-with-west-ham-united

For more information regarding the West Han United Foundation visit: https://www.whufc.com/club-foundation/about-us/welcome