Dear Gareth
I’m a Youth Worker in Dorset and a lifelong football fan who has coached a little.
I’m writing to you to let you know that I am proud of you and that you are making a difference! I am beyond delighted at the team’s progress in the Tournament so far and the performance against Germany was truly outstanding. But my statement refers to a vitally important non-playing aspect..
Your decision (along with the players) to continue to support the movement for racial justice by taking the knee before games is both brave and significant. Your ‘Letter to the Nation’ was, in my opinion, an intelligent and important message which I hope resonated with the majority of England fans and the public – even if a minority continue to act negatively.
When studying for my degree, I read of little black children here in the UK who had poured bleach on, and scrubbed bleach into, their skin to try to ‘become’ white. 5, 6, 7, 8 year-old children! As a youth worker, I have seen the despicable effect of racism on young lives. The actions of the current England Football Team (led by you as Manager) mean that our children of today will proudly believe that Black Lives Matter. They will also grow up believing that it is right to stand up for equality and justice. Children of all ages, black and white, will be wearing England shirts with Sterling and Kane, Saka and Grealish, Maguire and Rashford and dreaming of playing for England one day, knowing they are valued.
As role models for our children, and recognising the influence your position on stamping out racism has on British society, you are already winners!
I wish you and the team my best wishes for the rest of the tournament.
Yours sincerely
Tom Lane
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