Both games featured some of the best young elite student players in the country squaring off against each other in the Premier competitions in Third Level. Before the match, all players warmed up in FAI Anti-Racism bibs. The players lined up and performed an official handshake with their opposition. They also displayed Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC) messages before kick-off.
Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa Cork, University College Cork, IT Carlow Ladies and NUI Galway Ladies are among over 100 clubs, groups, organisations - including schools, football clubs and community organisations - from throughout Ireland who are taking part in FARE Week 2016. The week is an initiative of the FARE network www.farenet.org supported by UEFA through its flagship competitions (UEFA's Champions and Europa League matches taking places during the campaign period) will underline the key messages of the campaign and is supported in Ireland by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The initiative runs from 6th to 20th October, and will see thousands of events taking place across Europe to highlight anti-racism messages and celebrate diversity.
Speaking about Third Level Football participating in FARE Week 2016, Mark Scanlon, FAI National Coordinator for Schools and Third Level Football said "football can be powerful in uniting people and breaking down barriers. Now that Ireland is a multicultural society, we need to encourage children and adults to grow their understanding of the many new communities now represented amongst our neighbours, schools and workmates."
According to Mark, "FARE Week is a great opportunity to use the power of football to bring people together, make a stand against discrimination and promote respect for diversity in football and in society. The events that are taking place during FARE Week serve not only to promote the anti-racism message, but also promote integration.
Over the last 10 years, a huge number of clubs; schools, youth groups and others have taken time to support FARE Week in Ireland by organising a wide range of activities, including friendly matches, football blitz events and competitions. In 2016, we look forward to the ongoing support of the football and wider community to mark FARE Week the FAI and Show Racism the Red Card would like to congratulate Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa, University College Cork, IT Carlow and NUI Galway for becoming involved in FARE Week 2016."