Sports students from Forth Valley College teamed up with The Colour of Our Scarves to deliver an anti-sectarian event at Comely Park Primary School in Falkirk recently.
The second year HND Coaching and Development of Sport students, helped to organise the event for Primary 6 and 7 pupils on Wednesday 30 March along with Colour of Our Scarves - a Scottish Government funded project run by Supporters Direct Scotland who have the aim of tackling sectarianism and inequality in sport throughout Scotland.
The event looked at challenging sectarianism at a young age through sport and educational workshops and the Comely Park pupils took part in four activities - football, athletics, dance and fitness.
In addition, they were taken through a sectarianism workshop from Mark Reid, Project Manager at The Colour of Our Scarves, which promoted the Scottish Government message that: “Scotland is ready to move on from its sectarian past and that there is a need to build a truly inclusive society for all those who make Scotland their home.”
FVC student Cameron Fairweather, said: “Working on the Colour of Our Scarves project has allowed me to have more of an insight about sectarianism in sport and society. I and my fellow class mates are delighted to try and make a difference within our own local communities.”
Fellow student James Ronald, said: “This event is a great opportunity for us to benefit the pupils and try to make them aware about the potential consequences of sectarian behaviour and other hate behaviours. We wanted to create an event where all participants felt welcome, included and understand the importance of accepting the differences we all have.”
Sport and Fitness Lecturer Paul Tannock said: “This is an excellent initiative that allows the college to further build the relationship with the Colour of Our Scarves and promote inclusiveness in the local community. It also allows the students to gain some first-hand experience of organising an event whilst promoting the important message of sectarianism being unacceptable both in sport and society as a whole.”
Mark Reid Project manager at the Colour of Our Scarves said: “We are delighted to continue our own going relationship with Forth Valley College and the sport students in helping support this event. We recognise the need to create sporting environments which are non-judgemental and are accepting of all. Sport should not be a place for prejudice or hate behaviours of any form and it is terrific to help and support a group of young local students trying to make a difference within their own communities for the better, they deserve great credit.”
Laura McLintock, Head Teacher of Comely Park Primary, said: “Programmes such as ‘The Colour of Our Scarves’ are a fabulous way of raising awareness of sectarianism in sport and the wider society. It links beautifully with our work on citizenship and other aspects of the curriculum. It helps pupils develop healthy attitudes towards others.”
For more information about sports courses at Forth Valley College call 01324 403000.
