PLAYERS HELP PERTH COLLEGE UHI SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD

Students from Perth College UHI this week teamed up with Show Racism the Red Card Scotland, to organise an inclusive 7-a-side football tournament at McDiarmid Park and an awareness-raising event at the College campus.

‘Show Racism the Red Card’ uses top footballers to educate against racism and sectarianism and the inclusive event was funded by the Perth and Kinross Community Safety Partnership and supported by Perth & Kinross Council as part of their continued partnership agreement with Show Racism the Red Card and St Johnstone FC. The event was also supported by Perth College UHI, NHS Tobacco and Safe Choices, Tayside Fire Brigade and Perth College UHI Students’ Association.

NHS Tobacco and Safe Choices project organisers also promoted healthy choices with their 'Quit 4 U' stand, encouraging smokers who would prefer to stop, in the same week as no smoking day.

The day kicked off with teams of students from across many of the College’s programmes playing in the football tournament, followed by a presentation ceremony and a campaign film and panel event. St Johnstone players Liam Craig, Graham Gartland and Kevin Moon were in attendance along with a panel consisting of Show Racism the Red Card organisers, Councillor Elspeth Maclachlan and Perth College UHI Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Thomas Moore.

Councillor Maclachlan, Vice-Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to educate a wide range of students, giving them an insight into the negative effects racism can have. It also continues our successful partnership work in this area.”

Dr Thomas Moore added: “This event gave participants an enhanced understanding of tolerance and respect that they can continue to develop in their programmes at College.”

“Professional footballers enjoy a role model status and their support can educate our group of students about racism in an encouraging and fun way and serve to give them more confidence to recognise and challenge unacceptable discrimination and behaviour within their community. This event fits in perfectly with the range of activities happening at Perth College UHI this week to promote equality and diversity issues.”

Back row (l to r): Dave Black – Community Coach, St Johnstone FC; Derek Ferguson – Show Racism The Red Card; Mickey Weir – Show Racism The Red Card

Front row (l to r): Liam Craig – St Johnstone FC; Graham Gartland – St Johnstone FC; Kevin Moon – St Johnstone FC; Dr Thomas Moore – Principal, Perth College; Harry Clapham – Student President, Perth College; David McPhee – Housing & Community Care, Perth & Kinross Council

Councillor Elspeth MacLachlan joined the panel later.