Football fans using football to promote inclusion, challenge discrimination and engage marginalised sections of society are being urged to apply for funding and join one of the most high profile campaigns in sport.
Kick It Out, football's anti-racism campaign and the Football Foundation, the country's largest sports charity, will award cash to groups across England and Wales organising activities as part of this October's Week of Action.
The Kick It Out 'One Game One, Community' Week of Action will see groups across the country join together to celebrate the contribution all communities are making to the game, while adding their voices to the call to challenge racism and discrimination.
The Week of Action is the biggest series of activities of their kind in Europe.
The aim is 1000 events take place within the week, during which all 92 professional football clubs hold special matchday activities and hundreds of community events promote messages of inclusion and equality.
Grants
The Community Chest grants of up to £2,000 are available to groups including Supporters Organisations Youth Clubs, Estate based projects, Schools, Amateur Football Clubs and Universities.
The cash is available to celebrate the involvement of minority communities in the game, tackle racial tensions and to support work addressing issues of exclusion in deprived areas of the country.
Activities supported in previous years include anti-racism themed football events, youth forums, educational activities, drama productions, and photography projects.
The deadline for funding applications is the 10 September 2007.
Piara Powar, Director of Kick It Out, today commented: "The Community Chest grants will help to empower a range of groups who are using football as a tool to address issues of inequality and discrimination.
"We would urge groups to apply for the grants, get involved in the Week of Action and help us celebrate the contribution community groups across the country are making to our national sport."
Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, welcomed the scheme: "The Football Foundation is committed to ensuring that work that engages marginalised groups is supported and developed.
"The Week of Action initiative is a great opportunity for groups to apply for funding to organise an event or initiative that makes a real impact and breaks down social barriers."
For further information please contact Leon Mann on 020 7 684 4884 or 07736 009 116