Anti-discrimination organisation, Kick It Out, has officially launched a new five-year strategic framework titled Football United, aimed at deepening inclusion, equality, and representation across all levels of football—both in the men’s and women’s game.
The initiative, unveiled earlier this week, reflects the organisation’s renewed commitment to tackling systemic barriers and fostering a game that is welcoming and fair for everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, or background. Football United sets out a bold vision to create a unified footballing culture that celebrates diversity while actively challenging discrimination on and off the pitch.
According to Kick It Out, the strategy will focus on key pillars such as education, grassroots engagement, representation in leadership roles, safeguarding, and accountability mechanisms. The programme will also strengthen collaboration between football clubs, governing bodies, players, and community organisations to embed inclusive practices in the sport’s infrastructure.
Speaking on the launch, Kick It Out’s leadership described the new roadmap as both a call to action and a blueprint for change. They stressed that while progress has been made over the years in addressing inequality in football, there remains a long journey ahead, particularly in creating safe spaces for underrepresented groups in both professional and amateur football environments.
As part of its implementation, Football United will roll out a number of targeted campaigns, training programmes, research initiatives, and policy reforms designed to remove barriers to participation and ensure that football, at every level, reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
With this new strategy, Kick It Out is positioning itself at the heart of efforts to build a more inclusive future for the sport—where unity, respect, and equal opportunity are not aspirational ideals, but everyday realities within the beautiful game.