Partner School Hosts ‘Schools Against Racism Cup’

Partner school, Red Oak Primary, hosted the inaugural ‘Schools Against Racism Cup’ last week, as four schools in the Lowestoft area united to spread an anti-racism message.

Children from Pakefield, Westwood and Grove primary schools joined Red Oak Primary pupils to take part in a day of anti-racism football activities as well as a football tournament where they all took to the knee as they showed support for the ‘Kick it Out’ campaign.

The year five and year six pupils from the four schools all congregated in the sports hall for a lesson from Johnny Lee, PE and sports co-ordinator at Red Oak, who explained how racism is not acceptable in football or society.

Pupils learnt about the negative impacts of racism on famous sports stars past and present, before hearing about the racist abuse targeted at Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka.

They then designed a series of posters in their school groups as anti-racism football themed artwork was created for #SchoolsAgainstRacism displays that could then be showcased at their schools.

Mr Lee said: “We want to get the ‘Schools Against Racism’ message into schools across the country. Today is about ending the hate and spreading the love.”

The Red Oak team also launched their new kits – black and white anti racism kits, featuring one black sock and one white sock.

“We went for a black and white theme to symbolise the anti-racism message.

“There was great sportsmanship and respect shown from all players during the tournament with the final positions seeing Red Oak in first, Pakefield in second, Westwood third and Grove fourth. All of the players received Schools Against Racism medals and certificates for taking part.”

“We believe that if schools teach children about the past and current issues with racism in football and how it affects its victims, then those children will grow up to be respectable citizens who embrace diversity, peace, equality and love and as a result despise racism.’

“We want this project to go national so that all children around the UK have the opportunity to learn about racism in football and society and how it is unacceptable.”