Some of football’s biggest names will join a movement of over 150,000 for the 2019 #FootballPeople weeks, the biggest social change campaign in European sport.

For two weeks from 10th to 24th October more than 2,000 activities will take place in over 60 countries in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia. The campaign aims to drive social inclusion and tackle discrimination, using football as a vehicle to educate, inspire and promote equality for all.

On the eve of the launch of the weeks, Fare Executive Director Piara Powar said:

“The Football People weeks provide a perfect opportunity for European football to come together to challenge exclusion and discrimination, and support inclusion and diversity.” “Anyone who is involved in football is invited to take part in the weeks, and to make an active contribution by organising activities. Last year over 150,000 participants were directly involved. Together, we can shape European football as an inclusive entity. “Activities, will include conferences, debates, workshops, tournaments and many more events at national and international level. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved.”

Football governing bodies including UEFA are also backing the campaign, reinforcing a message of social equality and zero tolerance of discrimination.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said:

“The Fare #FootballPeople weeks are a crucial focal point of the fight against racism, discrimination and intolerance in football. “Thousands of people are involved each year – and UEFA is a committed partner, using its high-profile competitions as a platform to spread key messages. “I call on football fans across Europe to join the campaign – let’s all celebrate diversity and inclusion in the beautiful game!”

Events across Europe have already started to take place.

On Tuesday 8th October, Sports Media LGBT held an LGBT networking event #AuthenticMe, on how being true to yourself boosts sports performance, put together through a grant from the Fare network as part of the weeks.

In Spain, Arcopoli will hold a tournament against LGBTI-phobia from at the town hall of Valdemoro, Madrid. The tournament will promote sports as a means for creating a safe and respectful space for the LGBTI community that involves sports entities and authorities in the fight against LGBTI-phobia.

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In Germany BiBeriS – Bildung & Beratung im Sport will organise action days in Cologne against antisemitism in sport. Events will be held at the German Sport University, at FC Köln’s football fan project and the football stadium. Planned activities include an exhibition named “You Jew! Everyday Anti-Semitism in Germany”.

There will also be several #FootballPeople events outside Europe. Even in Nigeria, where Phoenix Football Academy will hold a women's football event to commence the International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja, with a Girls Football Camp titled “Team Up for Girls”.

A full list of activities taking place around the world during the action weeks can be found via the link here.

Follow the 2019 Football People weeks on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram) and through the activities map. Message us, tweet us, share your images and videos and let us know how you will be involved. Join the thousands of people around the world. Be inspired, be a part of the #FootballPeople movement.

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