Inclusion
Equality, diversity & inclusion
The FA and CFA's are here to ensure everyone who is involved in football has a great experience – regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, ability or disability, faith or age.
Both The FA and the County FAs are working to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be part of the game.
We will all work together on our inclusion priorities over the coming years. These are underpinned by three principles of change:
- Ensuring governance and leadership is diverse and modern
- Removing any obstacles to access and progression in coaching, talent development or personal development pathways
- Enshrining equality, diversity and inclusion in our day to day operations
In order to make a difference, The FA is running and supporting leadership programmes for women, BAME and young people and will adhere to the Government’s code for governance in sport. We will also examine pathways and promote inclusion and access for coaches, welfare officers, club officials, league officials, players, coaches and tutors. We will challenge ourselves with measurable targets that deliver on diversity and inclusion outcomes. We will also work with a variety of stakeholders on topics such as mental health and LGBT to ensure that people feel safe and included in football.
Meanwhile, there also many programmes across football which support our aims as part of The FA and County FA's wider inclusion programmes, which we will continue to deliver. Our disability football programmes are some of the best in the world; we have an Asian football plan called ‘Bringing Opportunities to Communities,’our women’s strategy ‘Gameplan for Growth’ aims to double female participation by 2020 and we continue to work to encourage football across different faiths and communities.
You can find out about these and many more on The FA’s website.
IAG - Inclusion Advisory Group
Making Football Accessible to All
In December 2012, The FA Board approved English Football’s Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Action Plan 2013-17. This was an important moment as it was the first time that all parts of the game (The FA, Premier League, EFL, Professional Footballers Association, League Managers Association, Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the Referees Association) had come together with a comprehensive plan to promote inclusion and tackle discrimination in all its forms.
Here at Birmingham County FA, we have embraced the Anti-Discrimination Plan and will be continuing to work to address the key issues and the challenges that exist within the County.
The purpose of the Inclusion Advisory Group will be to provide advice, guidance, make recommendations to our Board on all equality and inclusion matters, and comment on anything in relation to our delivery/action plan.
At Birmingham County FA, we are very proud of the work that the team has done over recent years and also having attained the Equality Standard is a valued achievement.
The Inclusion Advisory Group at Birmingham County FA, with the support of the professional staff and the Board, will continue to support the delivery of an inclusive and far reaching business and operational plan.
Ramadan & Football
The FA has released guidance notes for Ramadan and Football. To download, please click the link below.
FA Ramadan Guidance Notes
For this year’s Holy Month, Layla Banaras, an academy player for Birmingham City FC, has once again produced her own Ramadan guide and planner in order to help her and other Muslim athletes to perform at their peak throughout the month. With the help from a sports nutritionist, her coaches and club and the PFA, the documents were produced to better inform Muslim athletes about what, when and why they’re eating and have a place to record their meals and moods.
To download a copy of the guide and planner, please use the link below.
LET'S TALK FOOTBALL
Over the last couple of years, Birmingham County FA has increased the support on offer to former players and supporters diagnosed with Dementia as well as supporting their friends and families by hosting Dementia Café sessions.
With different topics each session, and attendees taking a lead on what they would like to speak about, there is plenty of opportunity for a coffee and a laugh whilst reminiscing through memories. Once you have completed the form, we will be in contact to confirm all details.
In 2019, Joe Robinson, Football Development Officer at Birmingham County FA, said: “Seeing the growth of our Dementia Café and the positive effect it has on the lives of all those in attendance is fantastic to see. Our goal is for more clubs, both at professional and grassroots level, to open their doors and provide a similar service to their communities, which allows individuals and their families with a common passion to have a place where they can talk about all things football related. Something as small as providing that opportunity can have a huge impact on the quality of life for those living with dementia and also provide some comfort and respite for their loved ones.”
Now in 2022, we are pleased to confirm that clubs in our region are offering sessions and you can find the details below:
Every Monday, 10.30am - 12.30pm, Villa Park
To Sign Up: email Michelle.King@AVFC.co.uk or call 07557 484444
Every Monday, 2.30pm - 4.30pm, Jubilee Sports Centre, Nuneaton, CV10 7EZ
Every Monday, 10am - 12pm, AT7 Centre, Coventry, CV6 7GP
Every Friday, 10am - 11.30am, St Nicholas Park Leisure Centre, Warwick, CV34 4QY
To Sign Up: email Jack.Clemons@sbitc.org.uk
West Bromwich Albion FC
Every Wednesday, 2.30pm - 4pm, Hawthorns Stadium Media Suite
To Sign Up: email Chris.Winston@AlbionFoundation.co.uk