Impact Stories

Femi Azeez helped BHAFC Foundation tutors deliver a No Room For Racism workshop to children in Portslade.

The Albion forward visited Portslade Aldridge Community Academy to answer questions about the importance of allyship and awareness, having shared his own experiences of racist abuse.

“Unfortunately, in today’s age, racism is still very prominent,” said Azeez. “It’s why it’s so important to come to schools like today and educate people.

“It was refreshing, the kids were very attentive and eager to learn. They’re the next generation so we want them to grow up and make the world a better, safer place for people of different backgrounds.”

Azeez was joined by former West Ham United and Fulham forward Leroy Rosenior, who spoke to the class about the racist abuse he suffered during his career and the significance that support from his teammates had.

Rosenior, an MBE for his services to anti-racism campaigns was impressed with the young people following the session: “Kids always know a lot more than you give them credit for.

“Their interactions were excellent, some of their discussions were brilliant and they gave some unbelievable answers.

“I was particularly impressed by their understanding of how to be an ally and a friend. They left that classroom wanting to tackle and challenge injustice.”

This workshop was one of a number delivered by the Foundation’s Schools Team over the past few weeks, who provide specialised education to around 10,000 young people across Sussex.

The Foundation’s Schools Development Officer, Hayley Templeman, who helped deliver the session noted the impact that the players visit had on the young people.

“I think having our guests there with Femi and Leroy talking from some personal experiences was really powerful, and the kids were so respectful.

“Seeing the young people’s faces when they were learning and proud of the work that they were doing was really significant, it was great to see the messages they took away and how they intend to share those to make a better community.”

Albion’s Premier League fixture at home to Crystal Palace this weekend (18 October) is the club’s designated No Room For Racism fixture.

The club will be highlighting the work of the campaign, and what action supporters can take to help kick discrimination out of the game.

Premier League Inspires is a personal development programme, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation.

The programme uses the power of football to inspire young people aged 11-to-18 to develop the personal skills and positive attitudes needed to succeed in life.