The Premier League’s Post

Sunday Story. Thank you to our partner Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey for inviting the New York Red Bulls to participate in the only FIFA DEI Panel Discussion taking place prior to the World Cup in 2026. New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce did an amazing job of organizing the event. The discussion was inspiring and continueds to be eye opening around the topic of discrimination, equality and inclusion. It feels like we should be way far ahead of where are we today. There is so much work to be done. The conversation included other local clubs. It was great to hear the training that is being done at the local level. Training coaches, players and front office staff. The basis of the discussion reiterated that we are all HUMANS, first. Be aware of your behavior. Respect others. Understand differences whether it relates to gender or heritage. Get educated. Seek to understand. Have an open mind. The sport of soccer continues to grow here in North America. It’s an exciting time to be part of this sport and league. We need to figure out how to educate others about how our differences unite us. How are differences create community. How are differences is what makes this sport so great. In healthy and growing communities, there is no racism, no discrimination, there is only inclusion. A community of belonging. A community that cheers on the clubs, on and off the pitch. It’s not always about winning, it’s about being a HUMAN first. #community #DEI #soccer

Anyone going through tough times - this one is for you. PLEASE REPOST. You could save a life. Nigel Owens puts it all out there on E212 That Great Business Show with Conall Ó Móráin including his suicide attempt, hiding his sexuality for years and years, what he learnt as international rugby's best referee and how to apply those learnings to business...and, of course, the history of the famous Peter Stringer V Leo Cullen scrap, what Alan Quinlan's mother said to him, how he came up with is 'This is NOT soccer' quip, and there's an ominous pause when asked about Johnny Sexton. He also explains why Wales is best for business. With thanks to De Facto® the world's best all-natural shaving oil https://lnkd.in/eabd5GfP Brid Berkeley Linda Black Johnny Lynch David O'Reilly Liam Toland Sharon McMeel Marc Sheridan Caroline Trenier Matt Cassidy John Wilson Hilary Allen Michael Whelan Niamh O’Connell Keith Mongan Clodagh Fleming Andrew Forde Noel Cuddy John Jacobs Orna Kennelly Ciarán Kelly Aisling Coyle Tish O'Conor Nash Edel Mc Cabe Helen Geoghegan Matthew Dowling Gary Nolan Róisín Field Daniel Kelly Shane Nolan Rob Burke Jacinta O'Rourke Una McCaffrey Marcus Ó Buachalla #NigelOwens #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #LGBTQ #Inclusion #Diversity #Wellbeing #RugbyLegend #Referee #PersonalJourney #Authenticity #Inspiration #BreakingStigmas #OpenConversation #Leadership #Resilience #PodcastEpisode #BusinessInsights #EmotionalWellbeing #WorkplaceInclusion #ChampioningDiversity #PositiveChange

The Premier League’s commitment to the #NoRoomForRacism initiative is an important reminder that football is more than just a game, it’s a platform for positive change. From October 19 to 27, all fixtures will be dedicated to raising awareness of the ongoing work to combat discrimination and promote diversity. This initiative sends a powerful message: racism has no place in football, or in society. It highlights the league’s efforts to foster inclusivity, ensuring that players, fans, and communities from all backgrounds feel valued and respected. Football has the power to unite people across cultures, and by supporting #NoRoomForRacism, the Premier League is actively working to create an environment where everyone can belong. But this is not just a campaign for the league it’s a call to action for all of us. Whether on the pitch or in the stands, we must stand together to challenge racism in all its forms and champion diversity within the sport we love. Watch the video: Greatness comes from everywhere. https://lnkd.in/euUP5kUP #football #racism #dei #edi

A long way to go until football (and society) has kicked racism out… Another season, another racist incident. Let’s be fair, Rodrigo Bentancur’s seven-match ban for making a racially offensive comment about Tottenham teammate Heung-Min Son sends a clear message: racism has no place in football. The FA’s decision to impose this penalty demonstrates an institutional stand against racist behaviour. Yet, as much as this ban is a step in the right direction, it also exposes how far we still have to go on the journey toward a truly inclusive and equitable game and society. Bentancur’s comment—“It could be Sonny’s cousin too, as they all look the same”—is not an unfortunate mistake; it is rooted in the casual racism that has long been normalised and, until very recently, largely unchallenged. This kind of “joke” reflects the persistence of racial stereotyping in both sport and society. Even in 2024, when global diversity is more visible than ever, microaggressions like this expose the underlying prejudices and internalised racism many of us have grown up with and still carry. The fact that such comments can be made so lightly—and in a public interview, reminds us how deeply ingrained racism is. Heung-Min Son’s public defence of Bentancur, calling him a “brother” and stating that “nothing had changed” between them, could speak to the resilience and grace often expected of those subjected to racism. Some may argue Son’s response is a masterclass in forgiveness, but it raises uncomfortable questions for me and triggers my own memories of doing something similar: Should it always fall on those affected to show grace and move on? And what message does this expectation send to others who may feel emboldened to say or do similar things? The FA’s decision to act is significant because it disrupts the dressing room banter culture that has long shielded casual racism in football. However, punishments alone will not drive the change we need. Beyond bans and fines, there must be meaningful education—players, staff, and fans need to engage with what racism is, how it manifests, and how it can harm individuals and communities. This case is also a reminder that fighting racism is not just about tackling overt hate speech or violence; it is about challenging the everyday remarks and behaviours that perpetuate exclusion and “othering.” It’s about addressing the prejudice and internalised racism that allow racist stereotypes to flourish. These moments are opportunities to reflect not only on what was said but on the systems and cultures that have allowed such thinking to go unchecked for so long. This incident should also once again prompt introspection. How do we, as individuals and communities, confront the internalised racism we carry? How do we ensure we’re not bystanders when casual racism happens in the stands, at work, or in our social circles? Bentancur handed seven-game ban and fined £100,000 for Son racial slur https://lnkd.in/ejKtP_ig

My three sons all support Scottish Rugby.  And after this weekend’s result against the French, that is a commitment anyone would start to question. Why follow a team that manages to regularly grab defeat from the jaws of victory?  Why endure the heartache of watching a golden generation of players fail in every major competition?  Why do all referees seem to have a vendetta against us (I’m talking about you Craig Joubert)? Why do all of that, especially given that all three were born and raised in England? Group identity is a powerful emotion.  That feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.  That shared sense of belonging and commitment that group members have towards each other and the group as a whole.  It can unify you in the depths of shared despair, give you courage to fight together or the resilience band together to keep going.  Strangers are instant compatriots, united against a common threat.  A positive shared identity can be the keystone of inclusion, collaboration and trust.  Which raises the question - why do so may organisations ignore it? Sure – many will reference their organisational purpose as the source of their unity.  Which is true – up to a point.  But if purpose is ‘our why’, then identity is ‘our who’.  A solid, clear sense of organisational self would seem to be a necessary first step on the road to defining your contribution to the world around us.  Without it, it’s much harder to recognise and leverage the collective strengths and capabilities needed to keep going in the face of adversity.  Just ask my sons, who’ve already learnt that stoicism, resilience and a good sense of humour are essential attributes for supporting Scotland.  What is your organisational identity and how does it make your teams stronger? 

❓Are rules there for fairness? Or Are rules there to uphold unfair systems?❓ Rethink what you know, and what action will you take?: Did you know that the Football Association banned women from playing football when the men returned from war? The women were bl**dy brilliant at it 💖, and the fans loved it, with 53k in attendance and 15k turned away at the gates. Their excellence was seen as a threat 💣to the men. So they banned women's football. When you see systems, policies and laws in place, question their fairness and their role in equality and equity. Question the narrative you're told. Break from the past. The journey for this girl's team to win football means challenging policies, processes and rules. We must do better for the next generation, supporting those challenging the system and being the change ourselves. Bournemouth girls' football team beat boys to win league https://lnkd.in/dhXwZvb6 #rulebreakers #equity #equality #whoaretherulesmadefor #questiontherules #leadership #systematicx #systematicchange

Reflections on England’s Football Performance: Beyond the Field As England's journey in the latest tournament concludes without the desired trophy, it's crucial to look beyond the scores. The cultural pressure of football 'coming home' burdens our players, who carry personal ambitions and a nation's hopes. In discussions about tactics and player performance, let’s not overlook the mental well-being of our athletes. Inspired by Robin Sharma's words, "Be slow to criticise and quick to appreciate," we must remember the human aspect of sports. These players face tremendous pressure, akin to challenging situations in any workplace. As we debate and anticipate future tournaments, let’s support and uplift our team for their courage and effort. Let's use this to foster a more supportive dialogue around our national team. What are your thoughts on better supporting our athletes mentally and emotionally? Share your views below! #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwarness #MentalHealth

Who would have thought that collectively holding our breaths, and clenching our knuckles could bring us closer together? Watching England vs Spain a few weeks ago in the final of the Euros with my daughter and seeing her disappointment when the final whistle blew took me back to my first football match. As you might imagine it was at Old Trafford. I was 10 years old, and saw the mighty Reds Devils draw 0-0 against Torpedo Moscow in the UEFA Cup. Despite a lacklustre result, the feeling was incomparable. But it wasn’t just the excitement of the game or the atmosphere. Being in those stands and cheering on the team alongside thousands creates a real sense of unity. In these moments, regardless of who you are, there is a sense that we were all in it together. Fast forward to 2024, and I am long-standing Manchester United season ticket holder with my friend Ryan Pereira. Sport has a unique gift that allows us to find that all important common ground regardless of our background. And this ability should never be underestimated. Yet with all its power to bring about connection, we sadly know that the beautiful game has on several occasions fallen short of creating an entirely inclusive and unifying atmosphere for all. This is just one of the reasons why it’s an honour to be involved with the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS), which is committed to guiding clubs towards enhanced inclusivity and community outreach. Attending multiple panels with my PLEDIS colleagues has offered valuable insights into the community involvement and efforts of football clubs. Many are actively promoting inclusivity within stadiums, actively combating issues like racism and homophobic chants, whilst also battling online hate. The panels are starting up again during preseason, and I’m looking forward to seeing the progress that continues to be made. You know the line all too well - we still have a long way to go. Yet, I truly believe that we are taking important steps towards ensuring that everyone who walks into a stadium can experience the connection that team sports can bring. The Premier League #football #inclusion #community

Language, inclusion and the pursuit of equality sometimes seems to evade some people, its like they do not want to see the disparities that occur within their areas of influence and that is very disheartening. Last month Ladi atteneded the Sport England Tackling Race and Racial Inequalities in Sport (TRARIIS) ‘Time for Change’ conference held at Leicester Tigers Rugby Stadium. One of his observations was that there are some really good intentioned people working in this space who are really trying to understand, be empathetic and offer allyship. The issue is for those senior leaders who weren’t at the conference in person or online. They hold the keys to setting the culture of their organisations and set the tone to the importance of this. If they are not present it makes this so much harder to tackle and the timeframes for action are stretched even further. Some people will be brave in this space and will be bold in their commitments and actions as quickly as possible, driving change for their organisations and the sector. However, there are still those who shy away from the subject for fear of ‘getting it wrong’ or not wanting their organisations to look bad. We say to those who feel like this nothing will change unless you embrace the uncomfortable, as leaders you need to get uncomfortable and face the fears you may have when tackling racism. Without you doing this, there is the distinct possibility of you being the barrier or problem to overcome. #EquailityInSport #EqualityDiversityInclusion

What do you think of Gareth Southgate's leadership style? With #Euro2024 just around the corner, thinking about men's health for #MensHealthWeek might naturally turn your attention towards masculinity and mental health in the context of football... But, as England, as well as the rest of Europe, excitedly approach their upcoming matches, it leaves us a minute to contemplate and appreciate Southgate's inspirational approach to leadership during his time as the team's manager. Southgate has exemplified his support of and commitment to his team in many ways, particularly in his letter to the UK public ahead of #Euro2020. The excerpt below shows us his values and why we need more leaders like him, not only in football but everywhere: "I have never believed that we should just stick to football. I know my voice carries weight, not because of who I am but because of the position that I hold. At home, I’m below the kids and the dogs in the pecking order but publicly I am the England men’s football team manager. I have a responsibility to the wider community to use my voice, and so do the players. It’s their duty to continue to interact with the public on matters such as equality, inclusivity and racial injustice, while using the power of their voices to help put debates on the table, raise awareness and educate." Here, we see a leader whose aim is to achieve professional success, but not at the expense of the personal success of each individual within his team. His empathetic approach has helped to build an environment of psychological safety within his team, which drives them, not just towards their goals, but towards scoring more goals too - incredible! https://lnkd.in/d_vEBZb