Blog by Dr Lucia Morawska, Associate Professor of Liberal Arts, Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA)
Breaking Barriers: Pioneering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Sports!
In today’s ever-evolving sports landscape, the drive towards equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is no longer a mere goal but a fundamental necessity. Taking place on Wednesday 12 June in Leeds, The Breaking Barriers RIASA conference takes centre stage in this transformative journey, examining the critical nexus of EDI, gender dynamics, and sustainability. Our mission is to challenge and reshape the existing norms within the sports industry, fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and champions inclusivity.
RIASA EDI conference; a catalyst for change
By convening diverse perspectives on EDI, gender, sustainability, and disruptive innovation, the Breaking Barriers conference aspires to be a catalyst for positive change in the sports industry. Our aim is to invite all participants to join Richmond in this vital conversation, to challenge the status quo, and to work together towards a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for sports.
Together, let’s break barriers and pave the way for a sports industry that truly represents and serves everyone!
Leading the Charge: Dr Seema Patel
The conference’s thought-provoking agenda is headlined by Dr Seema Patel, Associate Professor in Sports Law at Nottingham Trent University. Dr Patel’s expertise, underscored by her PhD in sports law focusing on discrimination and regulatory balance, places her at the forefront of the discourse on gender discrimination in sports. Her insights and extensive media commentary on gender eligibility rules provide a robust foundation for our discussions, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of these complex issues.
Engaging Workshops and Interactive Sessions
Our conference offers a rich tapestry of academic presentations and interactive, expert-led workshops designed to immerse participants in the practical aspects of EDI in sports.
Workshop 1: Disability Football Coaching
Led by Anthony Hall, Head Coach at Danby Rovers and England Mencap, and recognized as the WRCFA Coach of the Year for Disabilities Pathway, this workshop invites attendees to step into the inclusive world of disability football coaching. Participants will explore innovative strategies to break down barriers and promote ability-based football, ensuring that sports are accessible to all, regardless of physical or intellectual challenges.
Workshop 2: Queer and Feminist Design in Grassroots Football
Roxanne Bottomley, a graphic designer, educator, and researcher with a passion for queer and feminist design methods, will helm our second workshop. Through a collage activity, participants will reflect on their personal experiences in football, using visual tools to communicate their identities, values, and journeys. Roxanne’s work, which includes contributions to the Design Museum’s “Football: Designing the Beautiful Game,” brings a unique perspective on how grassroots initiatives can challenge the commercialization of sports and promote inclusivity.
Dynamic Panel Discussion
The culmination of the conference is a dynamic panel discussion featuring industry representatives from Yorkshire, including those from West Riding County FA. This session promises to be a melting pot of ideas, exploring the multifaceted issues discussed throughout the conference and offering diverse perspectives from key stakeholders in the sports industry.
The key topics that we aim to address during this discussion include: gender dynamics in grassroots sport, disrupting norms in grassroots sports, community engagement and participation (focusing on marginalized groups).
Interested in attending?
Find out more and register here for the Richmond Gender in Sports Research Centre Conference taking place on Wednesday 12 June. 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. Please join us!
