Manisha Taylor, an experienced football coach, writer and presenter, writes about her role as a tutor for Show Racism The Red Card.
I joined Show Racism the Red Card a year ago; I now work as a coach and education worker and it has opened my eyes that there is opportunity to improve widespread issues within society through education.
The work that Show Racism the Red Card demonstrates has been a perfect path for me. Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s anti-racism educational charity and focuses on educating young people and adults about racism; the organisation is providing an important role within the community as there is no room for racism.
As a former deputy headteacher, I have a huge passion for working with and educating young people. My second passion is football. Therefore this role has given me the opportunity to combine both. As an Asian female I have experienced many challenges within football and it gives me much joy to be able to share my experiences in relation to race, gender and disability within football and my life as a whole.
I have always experienced challenges within football, but my experiences of challenge in regards to sexism and racism within football have not been direct; in-fact a lot of it has been through the behaviour and actions of others, in addition to sarcasm. I thrive from these types of situations and I do believe that my role in teaching has enabled me to develop the resilience and confidence to be able to work in a male-dominated industry.
My belief that Show Racism the Red Card can improve the attitude of the new generation expands further than football. My personal journey with my twin brother who suffers from severe depression has taught me so much about issues surrounding adversity. I have learnt from my brother that it is so important to be able to openly share and talk about such matters that affect many, but many people still suffer in silence and it is only through education that this can improve.
What is important to me within my capacity at SRtRC is to act as a role model for women and young girls, those from a diverse ethnic background and those who have disabilities. I aim to continue to do this through sharing my personal story and illustrating true empathy. Telling a story is always different when you live it everyday.