SAINTS HELP PERTH COLLEGE UHI STUDENTS SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD

Students from Perth College UHI’s Social and Vocational Studies (SVS) courses played their part in an anti-racism event on Monday 23 March.

McDiarmid Park was the first stadium venue for ‘Show Racism the Red Card’, a series of educational and coaching workshops. Previously the sessions were held in local primary schools through Perth & Kinross Council with funding from the Community Safety Partnership. ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ uses top footballers to educate against racism and the student’s visit is part of the formalised partnership arrangement between the organisation, Perth & Kinross Council, and St Johnstone to show their commitment that racism will not be tolerated within Perth and Kinross. Students were shown a new ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ educational DVD and were then given an opportunity to meet St Johnstone players who signed squad posters and handed over an autographed football on behalf of the club. Players Liam Craig and Collin Samuel then took part in a questions and answers session with the students on the topics of racism and team work.

Jo West, Perth College UHI SVS Curriculum Manager said: “We were delighted to be part of this event as it gave the students a better knowledge and understanding of the complex issues of belief, culture, tolerance and respect that they can continue to develop in their programmes at College.

“The ‘role model status’ of professional footballers was a positive and enjoyable way to educate our group about racism and gave them the knowledge to recognise and challenge unacceptable discrimination and behaviour in the community.”