Ashford Town FC Youth: Equality Policy

Ashford Town FC Youth is committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognizing that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address any such inequalities and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community.

The Club is committed to confronting and eliminating discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability, and to encouraging equal opportunities.

The Club, in all its activities, will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. The Association will ensure that it treats people fairly and with respect and that it provides access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in, and enjoy, its activities.

The Club will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanctions applicable is regarded as discrimination. This includes sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal. The club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

The Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members to abide and adhere to these policies and the requirements of the relevant equalities legislation – Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Age Discrimination Act 2006, as well as any amendments to these Acts.

The Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims, when they are brought to its attention, of discrimination on the above grounds. Such claims should be made in writing to the Club Chairman. Where such claims are found to be proved, the club will ensure that the practice is stopped and subsequent sanctions will be imposed, as appropriate.

Ashford Town FC Youth will continue to follow Football Association and Middlesex County FA guidance in the area of equality, which will support the club in its commitment to ensuring that this Equality Policy is purposefully monitored, evaluated and developed.

Ashford Town FC Youth is committed to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness-raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within football. The club is committed to the publication and promotion of this Policy and will ensure regular consultation with organisations involved with equality, to ensure that its policies, programmes and services are based on current legislation, research and good practice.