By Callum Lindsay

Anti-racism organisation Show Racism the Red Card held its 10th annual Wear Red Day event as they continue in their campaign to combat racial prejudice, bias and abuse towards others. Wear Red Day encourages people to wear red in a show of support to the charities efforts.

Using the influence of the footballing world, Show Racism the Red Card help tackle these issues at both grassroots and elite levels of football in Scotland, England and Wales. Footballers from across the UK promote the work done by the UK’s leading anti-racism charity.

SWPL footballer Kaela McDonald-Nguah works closely with the charity, attending events and spreading awareness on a wide-range of issues in hopes that her voice helps those who need it. She discussed how she got involved with the charity and the value that the work they do holds to her.

She said: “I initially got involved not long after 2020, when loads of things were going on in terms of Black Lives Matter. I did a video for a show on the BBC, we reached out and I ended up doing some sessional work – a full-time role then came up and I felt it would be silly to say no as it is something I enjoy and feel passionate about”

“In terms of representation, when playing football there wasn’t a lot of people who looked like me. There was that barrier and that added a bit of challenge in my career as a footballer but that is why I think it is so important for people like me to do the work that I do. “

With a rise in racial tension throughout the UK election period from far-right marches to ‘Stop the Boats’ campaign slogans. Show Racism the Red Card are doing everything to ensure their message is heard throughout the nation. It isn’t the first time tensions of this sort have brewed in the UK, but it does highlight the importance of the campaign – Kaela discussed which ways the campaign can use these riots as a form of education towards people.

“It’s not the first stumbling block that the campaign have experienced. Every year is massive for us and I think even the year after these riots will be very important. A big part of our delivery is education and and educating on the importance of embracing people regardless of religion, culture or race but also why it is important to stand up to people who are derogatory in any way”

McDonald-Nguah faced challenges when entering the world of football through not only race but also gender. Through their Diversity Wins programme Show Racism the Red Card also aim to target gender-based discrimination. She has recently spent time getting over an injury, spending a lot of her training period in the gym.

Lynsey Reilly, who works at UWS, spoke about the importance of feeling comfortable in a gym environment regardless of gender or race.

She said: “UWS gyms across all campuses engage with our student body. Regardless of your gender, and what you are trying to achieve – we make sure everyone is welcoming. For a woman to go in to a vulnerable space, everyone needs to feel safe – within UWS we make that a priority. We aim to ensure everyone is respected first and foremost.”

“Yearly, Scottish Women in Sport is promoted every October. I promote a week-long programme for those who come into the gym and highlight how their experiences have led them to be themselves. Promoting that and letting people know that you can come in as a woman and experience this culture of progression and inclusiveness.”