Kick It Out

Kick It Out Kick It Out is an independent advocacy organisation founded to tackle discrimination in English and British football. It operates across professional competitions including the Premier League, English Football League, and FA Cup, and engages with governing bodies such as The Football Association and international institutions like FIFA and UEFA. The organisation works with clubs, players, broadcasters and community groups including Premier League Clubs, England national football team stakeholders, and grassroots partners to address racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of abuse.

History

Kick It Out was established in 1993 amid rising concerns about racist incidents involving supporters at matches in the Football League First Division, the Scottish Premier League and cup competitions including the League Cup. Early collaborators included prominent figures from The FA, the Professional Footballers' Association, and broadcasters such as BBC Sport and Sky Sports. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s the organisation worked alongside campaigns like Show Racism the Red Card and institutions such as Greater London Authority initiatives, while engaging high-profile players from Manchester United, Arsenal F.C., Liverpool F.C. and Chelsea F.C. to raise awareness. In the 2010s Kick It Out expanded reporting mechanisms in partnership with technology firms and media outlets including ITV Sport and Talksport, and responded to high-profile incidents tied to matches involving clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur F.C. and Aston Villa F.C..

Mission and Objectives

The organisation’s stated mission aligns with anti-discrimination goals promoted by The Football Association, FIFA, UEFA and human rights advocates in civil society. Key objectives include promoting diversity across governing bodies like The Football Association and club boards at institutions such as Manchester City F.C. and Newcastle United F.C., protecting players including stars from England national football team squads, and creating safe environments at venues like Wembley Stadium and Old Trafford. Kick It Out aims to influence policy with stakeholders including the Premier League board, English Football League executives, and commissioners at local authorities such as Liverpool City Council and Birmingham City Council. Training programmes target staff, referees affiliated with The Football Association, and community coaches connected to organisations like Street League.

Campaigns and Initiatives

Kick It Out has run national campaigns coordinated with partners including broadcasters (BBC Sport, Sky Sports), clubs (for example Leeds United A.F.C., Everton F.C.), player unions (Professional Footballers' Association), and anti-discrimination groups (Show Racism the Red Card). Initiatives have included stadium reporting hotlines, education workshops with schools and academies such as those linked to Manchester United Academy and Chelsea F.C. Academy, and high-profile public awareness drives timed with competitions like the FA Cup Final and UEFA Champions League. Projects have engaged celebrities and athletes from Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Rio Ferdinand to former managers associated with Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson to amplify messages. Collaborative efforts with corporate partners and technology firms have produced digital reporting platforms used by match officials from The FA and stewards coordinated by club safety officers at venues like St James' Park.

Governance and Funding

Governance structures have involved trustees drawn from sport, media and civil society, with oversight links to institutions such as The Football Association, Premier League bodies, and commissioning organisations like local councils. Funding sources historically include grants and partnerships with clubs (for example Liverpool F.C., Manchester City F.C.), broadcast partners (BT Sport, Sky Sports), philanthropic foundations, and government departments involved in social policy. Strategic relationships with entities such as FIFA and UEFA have influenced programme funding and international collaborations. The organisation publishes annual reports to stakeholders including governing bodies, charitable funders, and corporate partners in the football industry.

Impact and Criticism

Kick It Out’s impact is visible in increased reporting mechanisms adopted by the Premier League and English Football League, educational programmes in academies like Arsenal F.C. Academy, and partnerships with media outlets including BBC Sport to publicise incidents and sanctions. High-profile investigations involving clubs such as Chelsea F.C. and Tottenham Hotspur F.C. have seen coordination between the organisation and authorities including The Football Association. Critics, including some club officials and fan groups, have argued about effectiveness and consistency when comparing outcomes from disciplinary processes overseen by The FA and independent regulatory frameworks. Academic commentators and civil society groups such as Show Racism the Red Card and researchers at universities like Loughborough University and University of Manchester have called for clearer metrics, stronger sanctions by UEFA and FIFA, and enhanced diversity on boards at institutions like The Football Association. Supporters of the organisation point to increased visibility of discrimination issues, survivor support services, and policy changes within leagues and clubs as evidence of progress.

Category:Anti-racism organisations in the United Kingdom