Bissouma joins young footballers to share clear message: There is No Room For Racism

Yves Bissouma joined young footballers in our local community in sharing the message that there is No Room For Racism both in the sport and in society at a tournament run by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

The event at Douglas Eyre Sports Centre involved matches for 12 seven-a-side under-18 teams from the local area and beyond.

In between games, the players engaged in a workshop involving a competitive penalty shoot-out element, with players able to have more attempts based on their answers to questions provided by anti-racism organisation Kick It Out.

The tournament was won by the Spurs Foundation’s Premier League Kicks team, with Yves watching over some of the action.

The 27-year-old Mali international said: “It’s always good to do events like this and meet the kids, and this is why the Foundation is great. Everyone can come, play and enjoy an opportunity they might not have otherwise.

“It was a very special for me today, seeing them enjoy the activities like they did. It made me remember a lot about being young and that love for football.”

Our match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday will be dedicated to the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign.

Yves added: “It’s important to spread the message that football is for everyone and we don’t have any room for racism. At Spurs, we have players from all over, from South America to South Korea, and we’re one because we play for one club. I’m proud to play in the Premier League. Campaigns like No Room For Racism are an example of why it’s the best league in the world.”

Marquez, 17, who has been taking part in the Foundation’s Premier League Kicks sessions for three years, said: “The Premier League has a huge platform, so I think it’s one of the best ways to spread the word of the No Room For Racism campaign. I’ve really enjoyed the session today. There have been lots of different players here, so it’s been great to meet new people and getting to play football as well has been brilliant!”

The tournament was organised as part of the Foundation’s Premier League Kicks programme in order to raise awareness around racism in the game, the impact it has and how to report it.

Premier League Kicks, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Charitable Fund, uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.

Omari Chambers-Alert, Foundation programme coordinator, said: “Today has been brilliantly competitive and educational at the same time, a perfect example of how the Foundation uses the power of football and Spurs to help transform lives.

“To have Yves join us and engage with the players will be a lasting reminder of this event and what it taught them. The players also got a lot from speaking to representatives of the Metropolitan Police’s Territorial Support Group and the Godwin Lawson Foundation. Diversity is our strength at the Foundation and inclusivity is our guiding principle. We ensure everyone, regardless of background, has a place to belong.”