Inclusion Week at WRCFA

National Inclusion Week ran from 24^th Sept to 28^th Sept and WRCFA staff produced a collection of videos which highlighted their Inclusion Pledges for the next 12 months. Each day saw the release of a short clip from different staff members working across the organisation, alongside details of how they would fulfil their pledges.

Asad Qureshi is West Riding County FA’s Football Development Officer who leads on Inclusion and said “My role is to engage under-represented groups and ensure they have a platform to access football. We’ve done some positive work over the last year including our Ramadan Charity Iftar and Tournament; trips to the National Football Museum for Refugees and Asylum Seekers and The Ces Ceasar Award in recognition of Coaches Working in Diverse Communities. We’ve also got some great projects scheduled for the next 12 months including the England Disability Talent Hub which provides a pathway to the National Teams for talented players and a Female Mentoring Scheme we are running in conjunction with the Leeds United Foundation. Im proud to say we’ve also got our first ever Black History Month event here at WRCFA on Monday 22^nd October 6.30pm and hope to have ex-professional footballer Brian Deane as guest speaker. The booking link for this will be released soon.”

Hannah Simpson, Chief Executive at West Riding County FA, said “Inclusion forms the fabric of our organisation. We are committed to fostering a culture of safety and acceptance to ensure everyone, regardless of individual difference, are seen, heard and respected. We approach inclusion with curiosity and an uncompromising insistence that everyone involved in our wonderful sport join together as a true football family and make grassroots football a safe, fun and inspiring place to be for everyone".

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