On October 15^th Port Vale FC hosted its 3^rd annual anti-racist match-day as part of the largest series of anti-racist activities ever staged in European football.The week of action is now a firm fixture in the sporting and community calendar and was co-ordinated by the national Kick It Out campaign as part of the games ongoing contribution to tackle racism.

At ValePark, the anti-racist match-day was organised by the clubs own Valiants Against Racism (VAR) campaign and its pioneering Football in the Community scheme.

Around 20 members of the VAR campaign distributed thousands of stickers, badges and magazines to Vale fans at the turnstiles and in the hospitality sections of the club. The club were proud to host the nationally acclaimed 'History of Black Footballers Exhibition' in the club restaurant which included a special Port Vale FC board featuring former Vale greats Robbie Earle, the Chamberlain brothers, Ian Taylor, Bob Hazell, Alex Williams and Anthony Gardner. A VAR display board was also on show featuring anti-racist artwork from local school-children and a range of activities undertaken by the campaign over the last few years.

On the pitch local school-children took part in a banner parade and a half-time penalty shoot-out whilst students from MitchellHigh School and St Margaret Ward RC school took part in colourful dancing displays. All of the activities were warmly applauded by appreciative Vale fans. The Vale players showed their support for the campaign by warming up in Kick Racism Out Of Football T-shirts.

Chair of the VAR campaign, Steve Bradbury comments:

'Once again Port Vale FC and every-one involved in the club have led the way in taking a stance against racism in football. It takes a lot of effort to organise the days events but it makes it worthwhile when you see the positive response from supporters'.

A rolling audit of fans attending matches at ValePark has revealed growing numbers of ethnic minority fans are now attending games and supporting the club.

Bradbury continues:

'The increasing attendance of ethnic minority fans at Vale Park is testimony to the work of the VAR campaign and the Football in the Community scheme which takes place in schools and in the community all year round. Not only are fans from ethnic minority communities attending games they are reporting very positive experiences'.

Events such as the anti-racist day promote a very positive image of the club and form one element of wider work to establish Port Vale FC as a central focal point for the local community not only on match-days but throughout the year.