Yorkshire and Humber Time for Action on Racism in Sport Event

On the 6th November the Yorkshire and Humber Anti-Racism in Sport Group held the 'Time for Action on Racism in Sport Conference' at Headingley Stadium. Organisations from across the Yorkshire and Humber came together for a thought provoking day to learn more about how we can work together to make our region the kindest and fairest place for people to be active. 

The event offered participants workshops and insight on building a more inclusive sporting community through three key themes to give structure to the thoughts for individuals to come away with. These were:

1. Acknowledgement: We addressed the impact of racism and discussed areas in which organisations need to improve. Speakers from Holbeck Moor FC gave a great talk around how they have reduced the barriers individuals face to be able to play football and how they have made the sport welcoming for asylum seekers with a low income through helping with travel costs and childcare whilst being active.
2. Barriers: We discussed the practical challenges to participating in physical activity and discussed how we should deal with the barriers. Speakers from Welcome House in Hull spoke around how they have overcome these barriers in their organisation to insure everyone feels welcomed and empowered helping to build positive communities within Hull.
3. Culture: This segment encouraged organisations to think critically about how to build and sustain anti-racist cultures in organisations. Chris Grant OBE spoke about how he has been working on changing the culture of organisations. By fostering an inclusive environment coaches can drive a positive change to culture creating a safer space within organisations. Wayne Niles spoke about his experiences on and off the pitch and how he is using opportunities like this event to help change the culture within organisations.

We finished the day by hearing more about the Active Bystander Training offer which community ambassador Sophie Bartup and Active Humber team member Mary Smith have recently been trained to deliver to local organisations. This training offer will help organisations to understand how to create more inclusive and safe spaces across the Yorkshire and Humber.

It was great to invite Sophie to this event and to help her understand further how she can adapt the work she is doing in both her volunteering roles and also within her work at The Hey Smile Foundation.

The Time for Action Racism in Sport Conference was a powerful reminder that the Yorkshire and Humber need to come together collectively to make sports truly inclusive for all. Through continued focus on acknowledgment, dismantling barriers, and building fair cultures, Yorkshire and Humber’s sports community is taking meaningful strides towards equality.

The Yorkshire and Humber Anti-Racism in Sport Group includes  Active Humber, North Yorkshire Sport and Yorkshire Sport Foundation, and representatives from sport and physical activity.