Players at the Irish FA JD Academy have been learning all about identity, equality and diversity.
Andrew Hardy, Community Engagement Officer with the Irish FA Foundation, delivered a comprehensive workshop to second-year academy players which explored the fundamental concepts of identity and equality.
Topics included: understanding identity: how personal history and social factors shape who we are; defining barriers: a deep dive into racism, discrimination, stereotypes, prejudice and equality; cognitive bias: how stereotypes (such as those regarding religion, nationality or immigration status) can subconsciously influence our perceptions of others.
To translate theory into practice, the players participated in football-specific simulations designed to challenge assumptions.
These included: the five-a-side challenge: navigating bias while selecting a team; critical decision making: judging players based on limited or biased data; incident response: practical training on how to react to racist incidents, including reporting protocols and supporting teammates.
Irish FA National Academy Manager Kris Lindsay said: “These workshops are an essential component of our players' holistic development.
“By encouraging empathy, critical thinking and respect for diversity, we ensure our young elite players are prepared for the social challenges they will navigate throughout their professional football careers.”
He also said the workshop reflected the association’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within the residential academy, which is based at Campbell College, Belfast.
