Football goal to beat racism
FORMER England striker Luther Blissett and MK Dons footballers have been talking to Dunstable children about showing the red card to racism.
Luther, who has also played for Watford and AC Milan, spoke to more than 100 schoolchildren about his experiences and his views.
He was invited along to Dunstable Community Fire Station for the special session for pupils from Lancot Lower School and Dunstable Icknield Lower School.
The children talked to a panel including Luther and Councillor Richard Stay, deputy leader of Central Beds Council.
Then they were treated to a display of traditional Zimbabwean drumming by Butshilo Nleya. He taught them songs and talked about his perspective on racism.
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MK Dons players Daniel Powell, Charlie Collins, Tom Flanagan, Adam Chicksen and first team coach Alex Rae then joined them to answer questions from the children.
The event involved the council and a charity, Show Racism The Red Card.
Mr Stay said: “It’s really important that we equip our young people with an understanding of issues relating to diversity and identity, their rights and responsibilities and highlight a range of facts and skills that will enable them to challenge racism.”
He added: “It was an extremely entertaining and informative event.
“The children were engaged throughout, asked great questions and were given honest answers by the panel.”
He hoped that more schools would take the opportunity to get involved in the charity’s anti-racism workshops and sessions with professional footballers.
The day ended with family tickets for an MK Dons game being given to pupils from both schools who had asked excellent questions.
All of the youngsters were given goody bags and posters signed by the MK Dons players.