It will mark the Kick It Out’s 25th anniversary
The first 25 seconds of England’s friendly against Switzerland tomorrow night will be broadcast in black and white to mark the 25th anniversary of anti-racism charity, Kick It Out.
We’re proudly partnering with @KickItOut to honour their 25th anniversary at @England’s game against Switzerland tomorrow night.
#KickItOut25 https://t.co/Eo7dkoNtD5— England Football (@EnglandFootball) September 10, 2018
Kick It Out have worked tirelessly over the past quarter of a century to combat racism in football. The gesture will celebrate the impact the organisation has made in tackling racism and all forms of discrimination in the game since 1993.
The players will also wear Kick It Out branded t-shirts during the warm ups to show their support for the work the charity do.
It follows The FA’s recent launch of the ‘In Pursuit of Progress’ plan, which aims to ensure the diversity of those leading and governing football better reflects what we see on the pitch today.
The plan will deliver initiatives focussed on gender and ethnicity across the governing body’s workforce and leadership roles, including coaching staff across the England teams.
Paul Elliott, The FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board Chairman, said: “Kick It Out have been a catalyst for the change in English football both on and off the pitch and we’re delighted to celebrate their inspirational work in promoting football for all. Hopefully the footage will encourage the millions of viewers at home to spend at least 25 seconds thinking about the importance of diversity in this beautiful game of ours.
“We’re very grateful to Sky Sports for supporting the idea since its conception and look forward to seeing Three Lions in black and white for the first time in nearly 50 years.”
Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of Kick It Out, said: “We at Kick It Out are delighted with this gesture in recognition of our work to make football a better sport for all across the last 25 years.
