COP Practical Research: Kick It Out

Kick It Out is an organisation that works with football organisations, clubs and players in order to remove all forms of discrimination of the game including issues such as equality, racism and sexism. The organisation works within all levels of the sport from professionals to the local community to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get involved. The organisation was established in 1997 after the 1993 Lets Kick Racism Out of Football after a call for clubs, players and fans to tackle racism within the sport. Internationally the organisation has ties with multiple organisation such as Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Union of European Football Association (UEFA), and Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE). 

Aims:

• Promote awareness of the benefits of equality, inclusion, diversity policies and practices in football.
• Expose and challenge all aspects of discrimination and unfair practices and conduct at all levels of football.
• Share information about good practices being pursued to achieve equality and fair outcomes.
• Support individuals, groups, clubs, and authorities to effect actions themselves to achieve equality and fair outcomes.
• Develop a wider awareness and acceptance of Kick It Out’s activities and its enabling and facilitating roles as a contributory force for good in football.

The organisation as a whole has had significant support and engagement with many professional football clubs who are interested in tackling discrimination within the game as racist slurs and incidents still occur in the game today. However multiple campaigns and education has reduced issues such as racism within the game, however other common issues such as sexism are still prominent as a common attitude amongst fans and players is that female footballers are not as good or aren't worth watching. This attitudes results in more funding and recognition going towards the male side of the support. However if a campaign could be implemented that would gain the support of male professional players and major clubs this issue could be reduced in the same way as racism.