As part of the FARE #FootballPeople Week campaign, the Football Association of Ireland joined forces with the PFA Ireland to deliver Anti-Racism Virtual Workshops in schools around the country.

Dundalk’s Greg Sloggett along with Peamount United's Rebekah Carroll spoke to classes around the country, educating students and promoting an anti-racism and anti-discrimination message.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, each visit took place virtually, with the players answering questions given to them directly from the classrooms .

Speaking about the workshops, FAI Intercultural National Co-Ordinator, Des Tomlinson said: "It was great to have the support of players in our national leagues alongside FAI Development Officers Paul Keogh and Graham Kane to help educate young people on the importance of showing discrimination the red card. It so important to share the message of celebrating our differences.

“The collaboration between the PFAI, the FAI, and schools was a fitting practical legacy from the solidarity shown by players in our national leagues in taking a knee in support of the world wide call for equality in 2020.

Greg Sloggett added: "The anti-racism session with the children was fantastic. For such a deep and complex topic the kids showed incredible maturity, providing great questions and explanations on a topic they know very little about. It was fascinating to engage with them all and I really enjoyed it."

Rebakah Carroll said: "Having an open discussion was a great way to increase the student's interest and engagement. It was really interesting to get the students feedback and see how they think about a topic as mature as racism. Thanks to the young people and the schools for taking part, and to the PFAI."

Participating Schools
Balbriggan ETNS - Greg Sloggett
Longford, St Josephs NS – Rebekah Carroll
Longford, Melview NS– Rebekah Carroll
Longford, St Matthew NS – Rebekah Carroll