In 2020, the murder of George Floyd was a catalyst for the five Sports Councils responsible for investing in and growing sport across the UK, to come together to explore racial inequalities in sport.

Their findings were clear – racism is prevalent in UK sport, as it is internationally. Read DLA’s full report here.

Against the backdrop of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and upcoming parliamentary hearings on racism in cricket, join us as we explore the ongoing reality of discrimination in sport and the most effective strategies for tackling it – legally, societally and systemically.

Presented in partnership with DLA Piper and in collaboration with Show Racism the Red Card and On Front Line.

Speakers:

Derek Bardowell is the CEO of Ten Years’ Time and author of Giving Back, which reimagines philanthropy through a reparative lens. His first book, the sports memoir No Win Race, was a Sunday Times and Financial Times Book of the Year in 2019. Between 2009 and 2019, Derek was responsible for managing the distribution of over £150 million to good causes in 34 countries. He is a Thirty Percy and Mission 44 trustee. Derek Bardowell is an author, award-winning philanthropic leader, park runner, reimaginer and devoted dad.

Simon Levine is the Global Co-CEO at law firm DLA Piper, and has extensive experience of intellectual property, media and sports law, advising on both commercial and litigation matters. Simon has many years’ experience of acting for well-known individuals, trusts and charities, and companies in many industries, in particular media, manufacturing and sport. Simon advises on both commercial and litigation matters. He has been involved in all aspects of litigation and arbitration and has experience in the High Court, the Copyright Tribunal, the Court of Appeal, the House of Lords and Privy Council, as well as the Trade Mark Registry. A number of these matters have been reported and have been the subject of media interest.

Anita Abayomi is an experienced freelance broadcaster and content creator with a wealth of top level experience in TV and broadcasting. She has an extensive in-depth football knowledge to the highest degree, as well as an expertise F1 background, in which she has a huge passion for the sport. Anita is extremely confident in interviewing high-profile sportsmen and women in various settings, and her main strength is allowing the guest talent to feel comfortable and relaxed. Anita regularly hosts and presents various shows for brands and businesses such as Chelsea FC, Heineken and BoxPark to name a few. Working to script for TV production companies such as Sky Sports, ESPN, Premier League, BT Sport, ITV and BBC, Anita works extremely well under pressure with improvisation. Previous brand collaboration experience include the likes of Nike, Adidas, Puma, Sports Direct, Arsenal FC, Bet Victor, Copa 90 , New Balance and Chelsea FC.

Leon Braithwaite is a Mental Skills Coach and Ambassador for Show Racism the Red Card. He is a former professional football player having played for Exeter City and making a total of 66 Football League appearances. 

Simone Pound is Director of Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) the worlds oldest and largest sporting union. She joined the PFA in 2000 to support the first women’s professional team and has supported the professionalisation of the women’s game ever since. She has written guidance, tool kits and education programmes for Anti-Racism, Anti-Bullying, Tackling Homophobia, Sexual Consent and EDI workshops that have been delivered to over 4,000 professional footballers and 92 football clubs including parents, coaches and boards. The Players EDI Workshop was cited as Outstanding by Ofsted. Simone is an Ambassador for Show Racism the Red Card and sits on the Kick It Out Board as a Trustee. She is an advisor to the PCA and ECB Diversity Working Group and one of Nelson Mandela’s Women of the World. Simone has been instrumental in tackling the online abuse of professional footballers working with social media platforms, government, CPS, police and players to work towards its eradication.