Young footballers often face discriminatory and hurtful remarks – on and off the pitch. The Fair Play workshop encourages participants to reflect on their own behaviour and choices, promoting a culture of respect, sportsmanship and inclusivity. Through interactive exercises, we tackle different forms of discrimination, empowering young players and helping them to develop a strong sense of unity and social responsibility. The Fair Play workshop is delivered at professional and amateur football clubs, and in schools and youth centres, as we believe that football has the power to unite us.
The workshop is based on research into antisemitism in the classroom that was conducted in the Netherlands a few years ago. The Anne Frank House developed the Fair Play workshop after many of the incidents examined were found to be directly or indirectly related to antisemitism in football. The idea is prevention. We raise awareness about discrimination and racism.
Workshop format
Each workshop is hosted by a professional trainer from the Anne Frank House. Workshops are interactive and consist of three key parts: an online game, an assignment using scenario cards and facilitated discussions, and a concluding ‘wrap-up’ talk.
- Interactive online game
Players are immersed in a simulated football tournament, where they encounter real-life societal dilemmas both on and off the pitch. Throughout the game, they face a series of discriminatory scenarios, which unfold before their eyes. As they navigate the game, players must make their own decisions through multiple-choice options, deciding how they personally would respond to each situation, fostering critical thinking and empathy.
- Scenario cards
After the game, participants are divided into groups to discuss scenario cards featuring real-life examples of discriminatory and racist incidents in football. We use various methods to stimulate young people to reflect on their own behaviour and choices, and to consider different perspectives for each scenario. This process helps participants gain deeper insight into their own attitudes and the impact of unwanted remarks and actions on others, promoting empathy and self-awareness.
- Wrap-up talk
During an engaging ‘wrap-up’ session to round off the workshop, participants share their thoughts and opinions on the scenarios encountered. This collaborative discussion also provides a platform for establishing guidelines on how to respond as a team when faced with discrimination and racism, empowering young individuals to develop a unified approach to tackling these issues.