AN anti-racism through football event is being held at the Hertfordshire Sports Village in Hatfield on Saturday from 12.30pm.

Khalsa Football Academy are running the programme as part of their equality campaign Striving For Unity.

The diversity event will help promote the anti-racism message and show a unified stance against racism in Hatfield through football.

A Khalsa spokesman said: “We can try to stop racism with other methods, but a lot of people just love their football and it is an excellent tool bringing different community groups together.”

Admission is free and on a first come basis.

This exhibition celebrates the achievements of pioneering sporting heroes setting their achievements against both the sporting and historical backdrops.

Issues such as racism and under-representation in areas such as management and coaching and the need for more professional Asian players are explored.

Black footballers currently account for more than 25 per cent of professional players in the English football leagues and are familiar fixtures on the pitch.

When the first black player in English football, Arthur Wharton joined Preston North End as a goalkeeper in the 1880s, he faced many challenges.

Though Wharton was talented and rumoured to be a good enough goalkeeper to play for England, he was never considered for the role, due in part to the racial prejudices of the time.

It took 90 years before a black football player represented England.

Nottingham Forest defender Viv Anderson, played for England on November 29 1978, against Czechoslovakia at Wembley Stadium.

The exhibition charts and celebrates the progression and achievements of black and Asian players in the game while exploring issues of equality and diversity facing the game today.

Activities on show will also include football coaching, exhibition Futsal games youngsters to seniors, an Indian drums display and a football freestyle show.

Contact organiser Bal Singh on 07813179797 for further information about this weekend’s event.