Wednesday 12th June
2024
9:30-17:00
Richmond Gender in Sports Research Centre Presents:
Breaking Barriers: Exploring EDI in Sport
Weetwood Hall Conference Centre
Otley Road, Leeds
Register for this exciting one day conference here
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In today's sports landscape, achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is paramount. This conference centers on the exploration of EDI in sports, with a particular emphasis on gender and sustainability. Our aim is to challenge existing norms within the sports industry and foster transformative change by examining the complex interplay of EDI, gender dynamics, and sustainability efforts.
Distinguished Key Note Speaker: Dr Seema Patel
Distinguished Key Note Speaker: Dr Seema Patel
Dr Seema Patel is Associate Professor in Sports Law at Nottingham Trent University, England, UK. Seema has a PhD in sports law, specifically discrimination and the regulatory balance between inclusion and exclusion in competitive sport. She is an international expert on gender discrimination in sport, and has offered extensive media commentary on the legal implications of gender eligibility rules. Her academic publications examine regulatory gaps in the protection of athletes’ human rights in sport. Seema has contributed to sport gender policy and government consultation on inclusion and participation in sport. She offers guidance on equality, diversity and inclusion matters to sport organisations and clubs. Seema is a member of the Cricket Disciplinary Commission (CDC) and acted as a judge in the case of ECB v YCCC & Others 2023. Her recent work explores the lived experiences of marginalised groups in sport and the role of the law in overcoming barriers to participation.
Join Richmond Gender in Sport Research Centre and Dr Patel on Wednesday June 12th to explore EDI in sport with us.
Early Bird fee £35 before May 15th, £50 thereafter; ECRs/students £30: Register here!
We have speakers from Universities up and down the country coming to share their expertise and research, we also have practice-based workshops and we will provide refreshments and lunch in the Woodlands restaurant at Weetwood Hall Estate.
Panel Discussion Overview: Closing the Event
Join us for the culminating event of Breaking Barriers conference, a dynamic panel discussion featuring Yorkshire based industry representatives. This engaging session will explore the multifaceted issues explored throughout the conference, offering perspectives and insights from key stakeholders in the sports industry.
Panelists:
Representatives from West Riding County FA: Bringing regional expertise and insights into the discussion, the representatives from West Riding County FA will share their experiences and initiatives in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in sports at the grassroots level.
Disability Coach of the Year Anthony Hall will also share his experience in promoting ability-based football for all.
Discussion Topics will develop during the day but will include:
1. Gender Dynamics in Grassroots Sports: Explore strategies for fostering gender equality and inclusivity in grassroots sports programs and initiatives.
2. Sustainability Initiatives: Discuss the role of local sports organizations in promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable development within their communities.
3. Disrupting Norms in Grassroots Sports: Examine innovative approaches and strategies for challenging traditional norms and fostering inclusivity in grassroots sports settings.
4. Community Engagement and Participation: Share insights on engaging marginalized groups and promoting participation in sports, ensuring that everyone has equal access and opportunities.
Key Takeaways:
- Gain valuable insights and best practices from the experiences of West Riding County FA in addressing EDI issues in grassroots sports.
- Explore collaborative opportunities and initiatives to drive positive change and promote inclusivity within local sports communities.
- Leave inspired and empowered to continue the journey towards a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive sports environment.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a thought-provoking discussion that aims to shape the future of sports at the grassroots level! Join us for the conference and panel discussion and let's continue breaking barriers together.
The Panelists
Jo De Tute
Jo De Tute
Jo has been with West Riding FA since 2006. As Head of Football Development, she is responsible for management of the Football Development Team, the Football Services Team, the Designated Safeguarding Officer and Safeguarding Shared Services Officer, ensuring that West Riding FA delivers against FA targets and at the same time ensuring that all staff provide a professional and customer led service to our customers. She also holds the role of Deputy Senior Safeguarding Lead. Sport has always been a high part of Jo’s life and she was fortunate to represent Yorkshire at Cricket for a number of years.
Ashraf Wallace
Ashraf Wallace
Ashraf Wallace, West Riding FA's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead since November 2023, leverages 20+ years of experience.
A committed Muslim for over 25 years, Ashraf promotes inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, implementing enhancements like a contemplation room, prayer mats, and a Wudu facility.
As Club Secretary of Eccleshill United, he introduced designated prayer spaces and halal food. With 21 years at Lloyds Banking Group, Ashraf excels in financial management and leadership. His 8+ years volunteering for Penny Appeal diversifies fundraising for global challenges. Having completed all major marathons, Ashraf inspires underrepresented individuals to achieve and overcome challenges. He's a visionary leader advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Anthony Hall
Anthony Hall
Anthony's passion and commitment towards disability football is second to none. He gives up so much of his time to ensure the participants have the best, most accessible, and inclusive experience as they can - constantly going above and beyond. Anyone that knows Anthony or has spoken to him about what he does will know how inspiring he is & just how much he means to his team & players. On top of his grassroots responsibilities, becoming England Mencap Coach has meant he has given even more of his time & efforts towards improving disability football in the country.
Putting his players footballing development & league achievements aside, Anthony has created a real family environment within the team. Many of the players in the team have difficult circumstances not withstanding their disabilities.
We will also be hosting two practice-based workshops:
Workshop 1
Workshop 1
Step into the inclusive world of disability football coaching in an interactive workshop, aligned with the conference's mission of Breaking Barriers in sport through Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Led by Anthony Hall, England Mencap and Danby Rovers Head Coach, and WRCFA Coach of the Year for Disabilities Pathway, participants will explore innovative approaches to breaking down barriers in football. Immerse yourself in dynamic discussions, hands-on activities, and practical insights, empowering players of all abilities and fostering a more inclusive and equitable football environment. Join us in championing EDI in sports through impactful coaching practices.
Roxanne Bottomley is a Graphic Designer, educator and researcher. Her research interests centre around queer and feminist design methods and how these can be used in grassroots football spaces. Whilst completing her MRes at the Royal College of Art, Roxanne focused on football fandom and feminist participatory methods. At Northumbria University, her doctoral research looks at the way queer design methods can document and archive the experiences of women and queer folk in grassroots football spaces.
Roxanne contributed to the first book of its kind to look at the design story behind football “Football: Designing the beautiful game”, published by the Design museum, where her writing contributed queer perspectives on football’s communication design and looked at how grassroots initiatives continue to pushback against the sports commercialisation.
Roxanne will be running a collage workshop centring around the question “What is your experience of football?” We will use simple visual tools to communicate our identity, values and individual journeys within the context of football. The workshop will start with a short presentation showing visual examples of how many people who play football use communication design as a means of representation and self identity. You will be provided with basic collage material and pens but the rest is up to you. This workshop will aid in reflection and will help you visualise the importance of football and how you as an individual have experienced it in your lifetime.
For more information contact conference organisers:
Dr Lucia Morawska: morawsl@richmond.ac.uk, and;
Dr Samantha Bracey: braceys@richmond.ac.uk
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