This Round 4, Capital Football is calling on the futsal community to unite behind the Send racism off campaign, taking a stand together against racism and reaffirming our shared commitment to a game where everyone feels welcome, valued and respected. 

From 25 October to 8 November, players, coaches and officials are invited to wear a red armband or ribbon during competition matches as a symbol of unity and a visible commitment to keeping our game free from racism and discrimination. The initiative was developed in partnership with a group of Year 6 students from Radford College. Their global issues project explored racism in sport and was driven by a desire to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the game. 

‘The idea came from three Year 6 students who wanted to create something meaningful that would have a real impact on their local sporting community,’ Radford College teacher Olivia Sina told Capital Football.  

‘Having seen similar awareness initiatives in the English Premier League, they were inspired to bring something like this to their own community. They wanted to create an event that was accessible to everyone, where players and spectators could come together to raise awareness about racism in sport.’ 

And it wasn’t just another school project for the group, it was an opportunity to have an impact on a topic close to their hearts. 

‘The three students are incredibly passionate about addressing racism in sport. It is a topic they have wanted to explore for several years, having witnessed racism within their own local sporting communities,’ Sina told us. ‘As part of their Year 6 Exhibition, an inquiry project where students investigate real-world issues and take meaningful action, they chose to explore racism in sport. 

‘Rather than simply researching the issue, the students were determined to create positive change and have driven this initiative from the beginning.’ 

After hearing that their proposal was going to be taken on by Capital Football, the students were thrilled at the fact that their hard work was contributing to something. 

‘[They] were surprised, excited and, in their own words, “pumped!” What began as an idea during a school inquiry project has now become a real initiative within their local sporting community,’ she said. ‘They were incredibly proud to know that something they had researched, developed and advocated for was actually happening. Most importantly, they were excited that their efforts would help raise awareness about an issue they care deeply about.’ 

Finally, Sina outlined the goals of the students’ initiative. 

‘Above all, the students hope to raise awareness and open people’s eyes to the reality that racism is not just an issue in professional sport, but something that also occurs within our local sporting communities,’ she expressed.  

‘Through this initiative, they want to encourage conversations, challenge attitudes and inspire others to take a stand against racism. Ultimately, their goal is to help make futsal more welcoming, inclusive and safe environment where every player feels respected and valued.’ 

Racism and discrimination have no place in futsal. Capital Football’s Behaviour Standards apply to everyone involved in our competitions, including players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators, and any form of racist or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated. We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses such behaviour to report it to clubs or Capital Football so it can be addressed. Capital Football encourages every club to: 

• talk with players, coaches and families before Round 4 about why the round matters 

• make sure members know how to report racism, whether it happens at training, on match day or online 

• take every report seriously and follow it up promptly. 

Every report helps keep our game safe and welcoming for everyone. Together, we can show there’s no place for racism. 

The Send Racism Off campaign runs throughout Futsal Round 4, from 25 October to 8 November. Check the fixtures to find out when your team is playing and get behind the cause. View fixtures here.