Hillsborough hosts anti-racism drive as Sheffield Wednesday partners with sanctuary theatre group
A creative group teamed up with Sheffield Wednesday to tackle racism through a packed day of football activities.
Arts charity Stand & Be Counted took members of its Soap Box group to Hillsborough for a day of football, an anti-racism creative workshop and to watch the Owls beat AFC Wimbledon 5-0.
Soap Box is where the pioneering theatre company of sanctuary helps adults explore their creativity.
Muetesim Ahmed, one of the facilitators of Saturday’s events, said: “Saturday was about bringing people together and bridging any cultural gaps to tackle racism.
“Football is very important to the members in our groups but it can also be hard for them to access as people seeking sanctuary.
“For some, this was also the first professional football match they have been able to watch live - and what a win it was to see!”
Stand & Be Counted works with people seeking sanctuary, of all ages, and was the UK’s first theatre company of its kind.
Its groups have worked on many football-themed projects, including creating their own football shirts, which members wore on Saturday.
The charity also recorded its own football anthem with Sheffield FC to celebrate Euro 2024.
This summer, the charity broke the world record for the longest multi-club football scarf with a parade through Sheffield city centre.
On Saturday, the Soap Box group visited Parkwood Academy to lead the anti-racism creative workshop with the community and for a kickabout before the Wednesday game.
Jacob Walkland, Youth and Integration Officer for the Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme, said: “Football brings people together across backgrounds, cultures and generations. But racism and discrimination still affect players, supporters and communities.
“So, working together with SBC was extremely impactful using football as the vehicle to celebrate diversity, respect and belonging, making sure everyone feels welcome and safe. “Saturday showcased just that, bringing people together from different communities and backgrounds and raising awareness that racism has no place in sport.”