Events

Wycombe Wanderers FC

10 September 2007

The first event of the new season was hosted by Wycombe Wanderers FC, it also happened to be the first event that they have organised with SRtRC. The FITC department at the club carry out a lot of work with local schools and were happy to link up with the campaign to address racism. 150 Year 5 & Year 6 pupils from 4 local primary schools attended Adams Park to see a screening of the DVD and take part in a Q&A with players from the club. Both the councils in the region were also keen to support the event and were happy to send representatives to speak in support of the event and the campaign. From Wycombe District Council, Cllr Jean Teesdale who is Cabinet Member for Younger and Older People, spoke by way of welcome and support of the campaign. From Buckinghamshire County Council, Yvette Thomas - Equality, Diversity and Cohesion Advisor spoke in support of the campaign and encouraged the young people to stamp out racism. As a result of this event it is possible that Buckinghamshire County Council will be ordering copies of the DVD and pack for all the schools in the country.

The young people in attendance were very excited at the presence of two players from Wycombe Wanderers FC, Sergio Torres and Will Antwi. Both players were excellent during the Q&A both having experienced racism to varying degrees and were able to share the benefits of their experience readily. The panel was completed by Dave Evans, from Wycombe Wanderers FITC Department, Ged Grebby, Gary Bennett and London based volunteer Kim Burns, (who chaired the event). The club provided a shirt for the best question of the day and SRtRC ensured that all the young people received our resources, including the new Wycombe Wanderers FC / SRtRC poster. The event was covered by the club’s website and a story will be posted there soon and also a piece in the matchday programme.

SRtRC thanks Will Antwi, Sergio Torres, Yvette Thomas, Buckinghamshire County Council, Cllr Jean Teesdale, Wycombe District Council and the primary schools who attended the event; for their involvement in the event and their support of the campaign.

We would like to extend big thanks to Dave Evans and the FITC team at Wycombe Wanderers for their help in organising an event and the club for hosting the day.