Intercultural Programme
Also in this Section
The plan challenges and prevents the spread of ‘racism’ within the game and thus contributes towards a fully integrated and intercultural society.
According to the 2006 census, around one in ten of those living in the Republic of Ireland have a nationality other than Irish, a proportion which has nearly doubled since 2002. Regrettably discrimination and ‘racism’ exists in Irish society and those within the football community have a responsibility to challenge discrimination. Thus, the plan focuses on four overarching objectives:
• To combat ‘racism’ in football
• To promote participation among minority ethnic and multicultural communities
• To develop a culture of football that is dynamic and globally competitive
• To contribute to the wider process of integration
Paul McGrath became one of the first Irish internationals footballers of mixed race when he made his debut against Italy in 1985.
He played for his country on 83 occasions throughout a glittering International career which saw him feature prominently in the Green jersey at two World Cup finals tournaments in 1990 and 1994.
The Ireland McGrath inhabits nowadays is a completely different place with the 2006 census confirming that around one in ten of those living in the country have a nationality other than Irish, a proportion which has nearly doubled since 2002.
Unfortunately, discrimination and ‘racism’ still exists in Irish society and McGrath is delighted that the FAI have made it their responsibility to challenge discrimination in a proactive fashion.
McGrath is delighted that the plan has been launched and complimented the FAI on their meticulous preparation of the strategy.
“This has been planned down to last detail and its clear that Chief Executive John Delaney and his staff at the FAI have put a lot of thinking into it.
“Racism in the game has been around for so long,” admitted the former St. Patrick’s Athletic, Manchester United and Aston Villa defender. “However, this is a great initiative to get the awareness of the issue started.
“I think this plan will at least lessen the incidence of racism. It won’t eradicate it altogether because there will always be an element attempting to bring the game down and undo the good work done by the majority of people.
The plan was formulated by the Football Association of Ireland in conjunction with its key stakeholders. FAI Intercultural Programme Coordinator, Des Tomlinson, worked closely with a Football Intercultural Advisory Group who drew from other organisations who have worked in the field including: Show Racism the Red Card, Sport Against Racism in Ireland, the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which also provided significant funding through the National Action Plan against Racism. Please click on the icon below to download the plan.
