Community. Inclusion. Respect. This week’s visit from the Portland Timbers and the Positive coaching Alliance marks the official kick off of IYSA’s #EqualGame campaign. Idaho Youth Soccer has partnered with UEFA to bring #EqualGame to Idaho. #EqualGame is designed to spread the positive spirit of inclusion and amplify a clear and uplifting message about the benefits that soccer brings to the community. This new campaign aims to bring the soccer community closer together, while also ensuring that values such as inclusion, gender equality, and the fight against discrimination remain at the forefront of Idaho Youth Soccer vision and beliefs.
This vision will be accomplished through several methods:
TARGET #1:
INCREASE AWARENESS: EACH OF US IN THE SOCCER COMMUNITY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING ALL PARTICIPANTS AN INCLUSIVE, RESPECTFUL, SAFE PLACE TO PLAY THE BEAUTIFUL GAME, BUT WE HAVE NOT DONE OUR JOB. EACH OF US MUST DO BETTER TO TAKE A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO ELIMINATING DISCRIMINATORY AND ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR FROM THE GAME, THE FIRST STEP IS BEING AWARE OF ALL DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSE.
TARGET #2:
INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY: TO OURSELVES, AND TO OTHERS.
TARGET #3:
IMPROVE REPORTING PROCEDURES: PROVIDE A CLEAR PATHWAY FOR REPORTING AS A VICTIM OR WITNESS OF ABUSE OR DISCRIMINATION DURING PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT.
TARGET #4:
PROMOTE RESPECT, INCLUSION, COMMUNITY: THE GAME ITSELF TRANSCENDS BARRIERS OF ETHNICITY, ABILITY, AGE, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS. SO CAN WE.
"Whilst everyone is different we're all united by a common passion for a sport that truly belongs to each and every one of us." Lionel Messi