Football Unites, Racism Divides
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| Founded | 1995 |
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| Type | Anti-racist football-based charity |
| Registration no. | 1075678 |
| Focus | Anti-racism, Football, Diversity, Youth work |
| Location |
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| Coordinates | 53°22′12″N 1°28′34″W / 53.37008°N 1.476116°W |
| Origins | Sheffield United supporters |
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Area served
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Local community, national and international work |
| Method | Football and related activities, non-footballing events, educational workshops, volunteering, youth work |
| Website | furd.org |
| Founder member of the FARE network | |
Football Unites, Racism Divides (FURD) is a youth and social inclusion project and charity based in Sheffield, England which uses football as a tool to 'break down barriers created by ignorance or prejudice'. It works locally, nationally and internationally to combat racism and increase understanding between different communities.
The project was created in November 1995 by a group of Sheffield United fans who were concerned with the number of racially invoked incidents occurring in and around Bramall Lane, especially because of the stadium being located in a particularly ethnically diverse area of the city. FURD has since evolved into a wider community project. Whilst the organisation uses footballing activities, it is increasingly involved in more general inclusion work such as delivering anti-racist education in schools and providing volunteering opportunities for young people. It is also a founding member of the FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) network of anti-racist organisations.
Much of FURD’s work focuses on using football as a tool for social change. This includes using footballing initiatives in the local community, international events and affiliations with professional clubs.
FURD hosts subsidised coaching at Sheffield United’s Academy, and players who show potential are referred to local professional teams. It was FURD's coaches who recommended Kyle Walker to Sheffield United when he was just seven years old. Walker graduated to the United first team before being sold to Tottenham Hotspur. He has since joined Aston Villa on loan and represented England Men's team. FURD also offers coaching sessions in local schools, often as part of a joint package with an educational element. FURD also recognises women as a marginalised group in football and has sought to create women’s initiatives, especially to appeal to those from ethnic minorities. Students at The University of Sheffield conducted a survey called ‘Crossing the Line’ which demonstrated the young girls are more likely to be put off from joining in football due to anxieties over sexism rather than racism or cultural factors. Therefore, FURD has run female-only coaching sessions and girls’ tournaments have been a regular feature at the annual Community Day at Bramall Lane.
Small-sided tournaments are regularly held by FURD in a variety of venues, often coinciding with school holidays. One of the most prestigious tournaments is held at Sheffield United’s Community Day during the off-season. FURD also runs the annual All Nations Tournament in conjunction with Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association for teams of refugees and asylum seekers. FURD also hosted Kick It Out’s 2006 Unity Cup, a national tournament for refugees and asylum seekers.
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