Notts County Football Club have become the first Football League club to receive an award which recognises work with issues such as racism and equal opportunities.

The Racial Equality Standard for Professional Clubs, which has been developed by Kick it Out in conjunction with the FA Premier League, sets out a series of measures for professional clubs.

Left to Right: Balraj Johal from Voice East Midlands, Graham Moran and James Lake from Notts County Football in the Community.

Graham Moran, Senior Community Manager at Football in the Community at Meadow Lane, was thrilled by the award, which he received from the former Chelsea, Charlton, Aston Villa and Celtic defender Paul Elliott in a ceremony at the British Library in London.

“We are delighted to be the first league club to have achieved the Standard, and hope all other professional clubs follow our lead. There are numerous benefits for all concerned – this is just the beginning of our racial equality work, and we must now strive to take it forward to the next level.”

The Standard has been developed by Kick it Out aiming to tackle difficult issues within the game. It sets out specific criteria for professional clubs, and the Magpies will be required to meet these objectives, demonstrating equality policies which are implemented throughout the club.

Areas of the Standard include ethnic minority representation at the club, attendance of ethnic minorities at home matches and approval of the application from the Chairman and board of directors.

Notts County have joined Premier League clubs Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Everton, Fulham and Manchester City in becoming the first to achieve the Preliminary Level.

Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of Kick It Out, says that all clubs in the Premier League are working to meet the first level of the Standard within the next year. “Professional football clubs, players and supporters have been striving to play their part in campaigning to tackle racism in football for a decade.

“Our achievements so far should make us proud but they also provide stimulus for tackling exclusion and inequality.

“We believe the Standard could provide the basis which would herald a new era in encouraging clubs to ensure that off the field of play equality of opportunity, inclusion and fair treatment are at the heart of what they do.

“This will require the determination, commitment and sustainability on the part of those people who run and manage clubs, if we are to achieve any meaningful change.”

Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the FA Premier League, added that they are proud of the contribution clubs have made in tackling racism in football.

“We all have a responsibility and a part to play in helping to put the Standard into practice. From the Premier League our message is simple – we are committed to succeeding in this area.”