Between 14 and 26 October the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network is calling for action in around football stadiums across Europe during a coordinated Action Week.
With support of UEFA and the European Commission FARE calls upon the European football family to come together in October for the 11th FARE Action Week against Racism and Discrimination in Football.
Besides activities by professional clubs and leagues such as the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, the FARE Action Week will give fans, minority groups and grassroots football teams across the continent the opportunity to come together to celebrate the integrative power of the game.
The idea behind the FARE Action Week is that a wide range of initiatives and activities will address local problems within their club or community, while also joining together groups across the continent to present a unified stand against racism and discrimination in the game.
Despite the progress made in tackling racism and discrimination in the football, the exclusion of minorities as players or fans is still a reality in many European countries. There are also continuing signs that far-right supporters groups are on the rise in several stadiums across the continent, not only in league matches but also at European level in international games.
Organizers look forward to learning about your ideas, initiatives and activities. Ignoring racism is accepting racism – take your stand and join the FARE Action Week this October!
Financial Support
To encourage a variety of grassroots events, FARE is able to offer small grants for a range of local or regional activities that will take place during the FARE Action Week. The wide range of activities we have been able to support previously include the production of campaigning materials (banners, flyers, fanzines, posters, t-shirts, stickers), the production of fan choreographies and flags, as well as the organisation of stadium actions and community days, plus intercultural events such as special matches, debates or tournaments. The financial contribution groups can ask for should not exceed 400 €. The deadline to submit small grant applications is 23 September 2010.
Football for Equality: Challenging Homophobia
Previously FARE partner organisations were successful in a bid to the European Union under the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme. The joint ‘Football for Equality’ project enables FARE to provide about 20 groups from EU-countries with a special grant for activities challenging homophobia in football with a maximum amount of 500 €.