Janine GriffithsThree students from a Seacroft secondary school have shared their personal experiences of racism through a powerful poem performed for two Leeds United footballers.
Rita, Maimuna and Praise, from Bishop Young C of E Academy, performed their poem, ‘We Carry More’, during a visit to the club.
The Year 9 and 10 students met Premier League players James Justin and Noah Okafor at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch training ground.
Their poem explored their shared experiences of discrimination while growing up, opening with the moving words: “Before they hear my voice, before they learn my name, they see my skin.”
Helen Pratten, CEO of Abbey Trust, said: “I’m so proud of Rita, Maimuna and Praise, and of all the Bishop Young students who took part. Oracy is about giving young people the confidence to think, speak and be heard, and sharing a poem this personal in front of Premier League football players takes real courage. Our partnership with the Leeds United Foundation keeps opening doors for our students, and days like this show what they can achieve when they’re given a platform to find their voice.”
The visit formed part of the Leeds United Foundation’s Secondary School Hub programme and the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign.
Students also delivered a presentation about Gerry Francis, Leeds United’s first black player, and club ambassador Lucas Radebe.
They toured the training ground and took part in a question-and-answer session with both footballers. Two students received match-worn shirts signed by Okafor.
Justin told the club he could relate to the poem, explaining that his father experienced similar prejudice growing up in London during the 1980s.
He also highlighted the importance of schools teaching young people that everyone is equal.
Cara Mahoney, Head of Pastoral Care at Bishop Young C of E Academy, said: “For our students to have the chance to showcase their oracy skills, share their ideas and demonstrate their passion for equality and inclusion, regardless of race or background, was a hugely proud moment.”
The visit reflects Abbey Trust’s ongoing partnership with the Leeds United Foundation, which uses sport and positive role models to engage students.
The partnership particularly supports young people who may be vulnerable or at risk of becoming disengaged from school.
Abbey Trust has also received the Foundation’s ‘Excellence in Education’ award at its Supporting Our City Awards in recognition of its work.
The trust has launched the Yorkshire Oracy Hub, a free network helping more than 80 schools across Yorkshire develop students’ speaking and listening skills.
The initiative builds on the trust’s existing Oracy Centres of Excellence, which aim to give young people greater confidence in expressing themselves.
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