Stand and Be Counted Theatre joins SWFCCP for Together Against Racism Matchday
Ahead of Sheffield Wednesday’s home game against Wimbledon on Saturday 17 October, our Youth and Integration team came together for our Together Against Racism Matchday, celebrating diversity and promoting equality, respect and belonging.
The day welcomed young people from Stand and Be Counted Theatre (SBC), the UK’s first Theatre of Sanctuary, who work with refugees, new migrants and people seeking sanctuary.
The group arrived at Parkwood School around midday, where, alongside SWFCCP’s Health Lead FlorentFadiga, Wellbeing Champions from our We Are United project led a range of football activities, including fun games and a tournament. The session gave participants the opportunity to get active, build connections and enjoy football in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Following the football activities, the group made their way to the Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme’s Education Hub at Hillsborough Stadium for a workshop focused on the Together Against Racism message.
The session explored the importance of equality, respect and belonging, encouraging participants to reflect on how we can all challenge racism and discrimination and help make football a place where everyone feels welcome.
After the workshop, participants took their seats in the stands to enjoy the match.
Jacob Walkland, Youth and Integration Officer at Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme, said: “It was fantastic to welcome participants from the SBC for our Together Against Racism Matchday.
"Seeing the young people get involved in the football activities, engage with the workshop and come together to enjoy the game was a great reminder of the power football has to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures.
“Days like this are about more than football. They’re about creating a sense of belonging, celebrating the diversity of our community and making it clear that racism and discrimination have no place in our game.
“We’re proud to use football as a way to bring people together, challenge harmful attitudes and help ensure everyone feels welcome and included.”
The matchday built on an earlier visit by SBC’s younger group to Hillsborough Stadium, where participants enjoyed a tour of the ground, staged a post-match press conference and took part in football-themed creative activities.
SBC uses creativity to explore, play and create live and digital adventures with children and young people seeking sanctuary, providing opportunities to express themselves, build confidence and connect with others.
Rosie MacPherson, joint CEO of Stand and Be Counted Theatre, said: “Our young people were buzzing to visit Sheffield Wednesday’s stadium. Football is hugely important to our young people, many of whom share a real passion for football, and to Sheffield.”
Through initiatives like Together Against Racism Matchday, SWFCCP continues to champion an inclusive football community where everyone feels respected, valued and welcome.