Football against Racism in Europe (FARE) is one of UEFA's key partners in utilising the high profile of football to campaign against racism. For the last 5 years UEFA has dedicated Champions League matches taking place during the FARE Week period, in October as anti- racism matches. The week is highlighted symbolically with high profile players and teams walking out onto the pitch supporting the anti racism message. The FAI has supported the FARE campaign for the last 3 years. Anti-Racism & inclusion activities take places on three levels nationwide within the game.

International level: Half time exhibition matches are organised at International Matches. In 2008 during the Ireland v Cyprus World Cup Qualifier a half time exhibition match was organised with young people drawn from various backgrounds playing a 8 minute game in front of 80,000 people to profile diversity in Ireland. Match day programmes also carry information about the FARE Week Campaign in Ireland.

National level: Twenty League of Ireland clubs accessed materials from the Intercultural programmes to support the FARE week campaign. Clubs organised half-time matches with local children from diverse backgrounds profiling diversity in their community/area, as well as arranging for players to lineout at the beginning of national league matches wearing t-shirts carrying the anti-racism message.

Grassroots level: Leagues and clubs are encouraged to join this initiative by outreaching to people from ethnic, cultural and national minority communities/backgrounds. Simple activities such as organising a friendly match are suggested. 16 Grassroots Club/Community groups & Schools accessed material from the Intercultural Football Programme to run events during the FARE Week in 2008.

For more information visit FARE Official Website - www.farenet.org/

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