We were delighted to be able to present Brighton Seagals with their Level 1 Equality Charter Award at our Awards Evening last month.

The purpose of the scheme is to recognise those clubs who have been drivers when it comes to inclusion and representation in the grassroots game.

On their way to achieving the Level 1 Award, Brighton Seagals have completed the following actions:

• Signed up to the Kick It Out Equality Charter
• Appoint a Club EDI
• Implemented an Equality Policy
• Attended a Sussex Disability Football League fixture
• Ensure all coaches at the club have completed the EE Playmaker by England Football course as a minimum
• Attended an Equality Workshop delivered by the Sussex County FA
• Dedicated a weekend of matches to raise awareness of race and homophobia within in football

Speaking on why the England Football Accredited Club looked to get involved with the Charter Award in the first place, they said: “Brighton Seagals was started as we wanted to challenge the status quo on how grassroots football clubs are run.

“We’ve always wanted to make sure that whilst we deliver a good football provision, our work off the pitch sets an example.

“We engage with equality, diversity and inclusion campaigns every season, so we jumped at the chance to get involved in the Equality Charter Award - it’s what we’re all about!”

Now having had time to reflect on the process of achieving that Level 1 what lessons would they say they’ve learned and what changes will be made as a result of them?

“We have learnt that we already had a lot of good practice going on within the club, which was a really positive thing to reflect on,” said Seagals.

“Most importantly though, it has helped us identify things we can do even better. 

“For example, exploring how to make football more accessible for people from some underrepresented backgrounds that we haven’t had much engagement with before.

“As for the changes made, the award will allow us to challenge ourselves as we continue to develop the club, as we now have a wider understanding on what it means to be inclusive. 

“One big change we’re implementing for the 2023/24 season is for all committee members to complete some free EDI courses on top of the required FA qualifications needed for their role; these include the Kick It Out Grassroots Equality Charter and The FA’s Disability Football Introduction.”

Commenting on the clubs receiving of the award, Equality Officers Ray Newman and Luna Armstrong said: “The Equality Charter Award has inspired us to look at what other workshops and courses we can attend to broaden our knowledge and understanding, as there is always more we can be doing to educate ourselves and our members. 

“As Equality Officers, working through our Level 1 Award has helped set the benchmark to review and maintain our commitment each season. We hope we can build on that as we look at the next steps into Level 2!”

Seagals Chair, Justine Thomson, added: “I’m really proud of the club’s efforts in achieving this award. 

“Being able to display our Equality Charter Award across our club social media and website is a great way for potential new players, volunteers, and club partners to see the steps we have taken to champion equality, diversity and inclusion. 

“I hope that by promoting the Equality Charter Award, other clubs will be inspired to get in touch with Sussex County FA to start their Level 1.

“The more clubs that get involved, the closer we all are to achieving ‘Football For All’!”

If your club would like to get involved, then simply complete the form below.

To find out more about the Equality Charter Award and how you club can achieve it please contact:

Development
T: 01903 766855
E: Development@SussexFA.com