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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

West Riding FA's Commitment to ED&I

The West Riding County Football Association is guided by the vision of 'A Game for Everyone,' placing Equality at the forefront of our mission. Recognising football's profound impact on communities, we understand the critical importance of harnessing this influence to create positive outcomes, especially in the present context.

West Riding County Football Association, along with its dedicated staff and board, is unwaveringly committed to promoting Equality. We have implemented a comprehensive Equality Policy that mirrors our collaborations with diverse partners, clubs, leagues, committee members, coaches, volunteers, and referees. This policy ensures that football in West Riding offers a high-quality, equally accessible experience to the entire community.

Our aim is to guarantee that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to enjoy the game and pursue their ambitions and abilities to the fullest extent. Specifically, West Riding County Football Association is dedicated to ensuring equal and respectful treatment for all members of our football community. 
 
We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any form of less favourable treatment or discrimination based on Protected Characteristics, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, including sex, age, disability, ethnicity (including nationality and race), gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion and belief, pregnancy or maternity, and marriage or civil partnership status.

INCLUSION

The FA and County FAs 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 CFAs 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; and
• 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; and 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 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 FAs wider inclusion programmes which we will continue to deliver.

READ MORE ON THE FA’S WEBSITE

Get in touch

Ashraf Wallace 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead

E: Ashraf.Wallace@westridingfa.com

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Ashraf Wallace

Race Equality Action Plan

This Race Equality Plan is a testament to our commitment to fostering transformative change within the grassroots game across the county. Achieving race equality in football is not only a moral imperative but a collective endeavour that resonates with the core principles of fairness, respect, and unity. This action plan signifies our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and diverse football community where every individual, regardless of their background, can thrive and feel a sense of belonging. 

Race Equality Action Plan
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Are you passionate about football and making a positive impact in your community?

JOIN THE WEST RIDING FA COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS

Here's your chance to be a part of something truly special. The West Riding Community Ambassadors programme is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team and help shape the future of football in our region.

WEST RIDING FA PARTNER WITH NUJUM SPORTS

As the number of Muslim players, coaches, and volunteers within our profession continues to grow, along with the support from Muslim fans, West Riding FA is proud to announce our commitment to the Muslim Athlete Pledge.

Nujum Pledge
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Nujum Sports Magazine

Issue 02 | March 2024

Proudly working in partnership to kick discrimination out of football

WEST RIDING FA PARTNER WITH WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE

The number of discrimination cases reported into West Riding FA has risen by well over 100% over the past 2 seasons. 

West Riding FA manage the regulatory processes that sits behind any investigation and ensure that all parties involved are supported.

However, we know there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone who needs to report discrimination can do and knows the process, but more importantly to reduce the number of incidences of discrimination in the first place.

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west riding fa inclusion fund

West Riding FA has made an annual financial commitment to support projects that look to engage with under-represented groups. The WRCFA Inclusion Fund aims to support such projects with a small financial grant distributed after a simple application form.

kick it out

EQUALITY CHARTER

As part of Kick It Out's increased efforts to spreads its message in the amateur game, the organisation is encouraging as many grassroots clubs and leagues as possible to support the fight for equality in football.

CLICK HERE

The Academy

The Academy provides a wide range of courses that cater to various audiences, including players, coaches, referees, administrators, and fans. From introductory courses on understanding different communities to more specialised training on promoting inclusivity within grassroots clubs, there is something for everyone.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Academy is that it is entirely free to sign up and access the courses. This accessibility ensures that individuals from all backgrounds and levels of experience can benefit from the valuable resources available.

Visit The Academy today
WRCFA
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Equality Standard for Sport

The Equality Standard, known as the Framework for Sport, serves as a guideline for sports organisations striving for equality.

Independently assessed, it focuses on enhancing both the organisation and its services, with four levels of accomplishment: Foundation, Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced. 

West Riding FA attained Foundation Level in 2009 and Preliminary Level in 2021. Currently, efforts are directed towards reaching Intermediate level, involving expanding participation opportunities for a diverse demographic, including representation in leadership, staff, board, and volunteer positions, with all internal policies ensuring diversity is duly considered.

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icancoach & icanref

Check out the latest refereeing and coaching stories of individuals in West Riding from many different backgrounds.

Coaching Event Mentoring Adults

inclusion advisory network

The virtual network aims to connect individuals and/or groups from our communities who are interested in, or play an active role in, promoting Inclusion, diversity and anti-discrimination.  

The network aims to promote the sharing of information on local initiatives, campaigns, interventions and events that may be of interest to the broader network. It will also provide a forum for the West Riding County FA, and members, to disseminate information on local, regional and national initiatives.  

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