The Grassroots Activity Fund is aimed at encouraging and helping with the facilitation of grassroots activities celebrating equality and diversity in football.

The fund has been established to facilitate small-to-medium sized events, which give grassroots clubs and organisations across the amateur game an opportunity to highlight the importance of creating a fully-inclusive environment for all.

Applicants can receive up to £1000 in funding, but it is important to note the cost needs to be kept realistic and a higher cost will require further justification from prospective applicants. Grants are made as a single lump sum and will cover the proposed event only.

Speaking after the launch of the fund, Imrul Gazi, Grassroots Advisor for Kick It Out, said: “The Grassroots Activity Fund is a great initiative and I am really excited that we are able to offer our support to local clubs and organisations in funding their own great ideas.

“It’s the work we do at grassroots that really makes all the difference and where people can make a real change.

“Kick It Out is committed to making footballing communities a fully inclusive environment for all and I’m looking forward to working with different groups.”

To submit an application, please fill in the application form below and send to Paul Kirton by emailing info@teamgrassroots.co.uk

Download the application form here.

Find out more about our partners Kick it Out by clicking on the image below.

The organisation received 469 reports last season, compared to 402 in 2015/16. The reports of discrimination come from across football – including Premier League, English Football League (EFL), Women’s Super League, non-league and grassroots fixtures, as well as football-related discrimination on social media.

Nearly half of the total reports in 2016/17 – 48% – relate to race, with 21% HBT (Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic) discrimination and 17% faith related.

Kick It Out is a third-party reporting bureau and liaises with the football authorities and the police to take up cases on behalf of complainants, as well as offering support and guidance to those who have witnessed or suffered discrimination.

Of the 206 professional game reports received by Kick It Out, 56% took place in the Premier League, 34% in the EFL, 9% at non-league (Step 4 or above) and 1% at international fixtures. Professional game reports marked a 53% increase compared to 2015/16.

In another significant rise, reporting through the Kick It Out app, available on Apple and Android devices, increased by 62% in comparison to 2015/16.

Roisin Wood, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Kick It Out’s reporting statistics for the 2016/17 season clearly indicate discrimination is still prevalent within the beautiful game.

“As we head towards the 25th anniversary of the organisation in August 2018, it is a timely reminder that there is still significant work to be done to ensure all participants can feel safe and included in the sport.

“Whilst the statistics show a large proportion of reporting taking place within the professional game, Kick It Out is aware of the vast scale of under-reporting within the grassroots game. This is one of a number of challenges the football authorities must tackle going forward.

“Kick It Out actively encourages all those involved across the game to report any discrimination they witness or suffer.”

To report discrimination across all levels of the English football, download the free Kick It Out reporting app – available on the App Store and Google Play. The app features the option to report anonymously as well as the ability to include video and images to a report.

‘Wear Red Day’ will see supporters from across the United Kingdom show their backing by wearing red items of clothing, with the aim of raising vital funds for their work.

Established in 1996, SRtRC work across schools in England, Scotland and Wales to deliver education to students and teachers on the impact of racism in football and society.

The charity delivers educational sessions to over 50,000 participants each year thanks to help from educators and ambassadors from the football industry. Supporters of the charity include Paul Mortimer, Kick It Out’s Professional Players Engagement Manager and Anwar Uddin, the Football Supporters’ Federation Diversity and Campaigns Manager.

Fundraising can take place across any venue on 21 October, with schools, community centres, workplaces and individuals all invited to support ‘Wear Red Day’.

To register your interest in supporting ‘Wear Red Day’, contact SRtRC via email info@theredcard.org or telephone on 0191 257 8519

To download a fundraising guide, please Click HERE

Grassroots would like to congratulate Show Racism the Red Card on 20 years of fantastic work within the game     and encourage all grassroots teams to wear red to show your support.