A football coaching scheme breaking down fears of racism and helping local ethnic minorities enjoy playing and watching football.
Who we are
RAFFI is managed by Preston & West Lancashire Racial Equality Council, in partnership with Preston North End Football Club.
Where we're based
Preston
When we started
Unknown
How we started
Despite the fact that Preston North End Football Club is based in the heart of Deepdale - an inner-city community with a very high ethnic minority population - very few local residents from ethnic minority background attended its matches. This project was started to break down local people's fears of encountering racism both in playing and watching football at all levels.
Our work
One of Raffi's many initiatives is the successful Sunday Coaching Scheme, where a group of volunteers, both young and old, have worked tirelessly to establish a secure and welcoming culture in which young people can enjoy football.
Future plans
Were you part of this winning group? We'd love to hear from you about what you're up to now!
These young people are determined to tackle racism in local football, both playing and watching. Before they felt they couldn't because of the abuse they'd receive. Now there's a much better atmosphere.
Mohammed Atcha, project manager.
