Former football stars to meet children at anti-racism event

Former Leeds United players will urge youngsters to Show Racism the Red Card when they meet them today.

Children from Leeds primary schools have been invited to a Show Racism the Red Card event, in partnership with Education Leeds and Leeds United Football Club.

They will take part in an educational workshop and view a screening of Show Racism the Red Card DVD, featuring top footballers.

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Former Leeds players Brian Deane, John Hendrie and Chris Kamara as well as Bradford City's Zesh Rehman are among those attending the event.

The footballers will form a panel, taking questions on racism.

Show Racism the Red Card chief executive Ged Grebby said: "Show Racism the Red Card is proud to host this event in Leeds.

"One of the best ways to change racist attitudes is for role models, such as professional footballers, to engage with young people on the issues and present an anti-racist message.

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"Our events have a lasting positive impact on the young people."

Hendrie will be awarded a Show Racism the Red Card Hall of Fame award at the event, in recognition of his long-standing support of the campaign.

All of the children will leave the event at Leeds Civic Centre with a goody bag of the campaign's resources including this season's football team poster, signed by the guest panellists.

Education Leeds chief executive Chris Edwards said: "We want our children to appreciate and value the cultures, faiths and beliefs that make up our great city.

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"We want to build respect, tolerance and understanding and help young people recognise the part they can play in eradicating racism in our schools and in our communities.

"This brilliant event will be a great opportunity for these young people to find out how they can help change attitudes and promote the importance of treating everyone fairly and equally."

Show Racism the Red Card was established in 1996 with the aim of harnessing the high profile of professional footballers to combat racism in society.

It produces resources to combat racism through anti-racist education used in thousands of schools across the country.