SCHOLARS SUPPORT SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD CAMPAIGN

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Academy in the Community initiative continues

2025-11-24T16:00:00.000Z

SCHOLARS SUPPORT SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD CAMPAIGN

Academy in the Community initiative continues

2025-11-24T16:00:00.000Z

Academy in the Community initiative continues

First-year scholars Dylan Morison, James Lewis, Destiny Okonkwo, Freddie Best, and Callum Feeney joined Burnley FC in the Community’s Show Racism the Red Card day last month.

In what was Black History Month, BFCitC hosted a series of visits in partnership with Show Racism the Red Card and the Premier League’s No Room for Racism campaign.

The purpose of the events was to educate, raise awareness, and empower people to challenge racism by using the influence of sport and positive role models.

The Academy players joined Show Racism the Red Card staff at Turf Moor for a day of education and activities, culminating in an engaging Q&A session.

The children were thrilled to meet the scholars and eagerly asked questions about their football journeys so far.

The players, all of whom are 16 or 17 years old, spoke with real maturity about equality and inclusivity, as well as the importance of treating others with kindness and respect both on and off the pitch.

SCHOLARS SUPPORT SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD CAMPAIGN - Image 1

All of Tony Philliskirk’s U18s squad are required to undertake these kinds of visits as part of the Academy in the Community programme, which won a Northwest Football Award last season.

For goalkeeper Callum Feeney, who has already visited BFCitC’s Dementia Café and Leisure Box in 2025/26, this latest experience was a positive one.

“The younger children are the next generation, so trying to set them a good example is important,” he said.

“It also helps me build relationships with my team-mates. I was paired with Dylan, who I’m not in digs with so don't talk to as much, so that was nice.”

Education Manager Lianne Bradford reflected: “We’ve spent the whole month delivering events and workshops to teach children in Burnley about the importance of equality.

“This month we’ve had first team players, including Ashley Barnes and Bashir Humphreys, supporting our No Room for Racism activation, and now our academy players have joined us to back the Show Racism the Red Card campaign.

“Their involvement means so much to the children and helps us reinforce the message even more.”