Sports Interactive Backs 'Kick it Out' Campaign in CM 00/01 Edition

Sports Interactive announces a partnership with Kick it Out, which will see the 'Kick Racism Out of Football' logo displayed within the game.

Posted by Staff
Racism in football is a depressingly common occurrence that often prevents extremely talented non-white youngsters seriously considering a career in professional football. Kick Racism Out of Football is a campaign dedicated to changing the attitudes of anyone interested in football that sees racism as a part of the game. These are people that abuse, both verbally and physically, and intimidate non-white players. The campaign is aimed at supporters, players, coaches, referees and organisers alike.

In the 1993 - 1994 season, the Commission for Racial Equality joined forces with the Professional Footballers Association to launch the 'Let's Kick Racism Out of Football' campaign. Under their leadership, the campaign developed into the Advisory Group Against Racism and Intimidation, with participation from the Football Association, the FA Premier League and Football League.

In 1997 Kick it Out received the funding it needed from the Professional Footballers Association, the Football Association, the Football Trust and the FA Premier League to become established as an independent organisation. Kick it Out took up the role of furthering the campaign against racism in football at all levels. The organisation currently undertakes work programmes specifically aimed at professional clubs, young people, amateur footballers, Asian, black and European communities.

To highlight the cause of the Kick it Out campaign, Sports Interactive has featured the Kick Racism Out of Football logo throughout Championship Manager Season Edition 00/01. The logo will also feature on the packaging.

"Statistics show that there are more non-white youngsters playing football in the UK than there are whites. However, when we look at the amount of non-whites that ever make into the stadia to watch football matches, never mind those that actually go on to play, coach or manage at a professional level, we see there is an alarming disparity." Commented Oliver Collyer, joint Managing Director of Sports Interactive. "There are clearly good reasons why non-white people don't go to the matches, and the biggest one is the amount of abuse and intimidation they are likely to receive once they get there. This has got to change and we at Sports Interactive strongly support the good work of Kick it Out in trying to change this situation."

"We are absolutely delighted to have received the support of such a high profile game as Championship Manager Season Edition 00/01," enthused Piara Powar, National Campaign Co-ordinator of Kick it Out. "Championship Manager reaches a massive audience and has a hugely dedicated group of fans. We are confident that having our logo featured in the game will help change the attitudes of those who play it."

Eidos Interactive will release the insomnia inducing Championship Manager Season Edition 00/01 on November 10th.