Source: Show Racism The Red Card
One of the country’s pioneering black footballers has been recognised by Show Racism The Red Card for their tireless anti-racism campaigner.
Peter Foley MBE, the first professional black footballer in Cumbria representing Warrington Reds and Scunthorpe United, was inducted into our Hall of Fame at Carlisle United FC on Tuesday, October 9.
Peter told us that he was “over the moon” to receive the award, and put it on a par with being awarded his MBE.
“I’ve been involved with this kind of work for a number of years now,” Peter said. “And to get the recognition from an organisation like Show Racism The Red Card was absolutely fantastic.
“I loved the event at Carlisle – the children asked really good questions and it was great for the youngsters.”
Peter, who also represented Chesterfield, has been an active anti-racism campaigner for many decades.
Through his work with the GMB, Peter chaired the union’s National Race Committee and TUC’s Northern Race Committee.
Peter also reflected on what anti-racism campaigns had achieved during his year promoting the message.
He said: “In some areas things have improved, but there’s still some way to go in others. We have a lot more black and ethnic minority players now.
“But I think now it’s getting the players to understand what racism is.”
Peter told us that it was educational work with young people where the biggest transformation has been in tackling inter-generational racism.
“The work in schools and education has been fantastic,” he said. “It’s really taken off.
“They’ve gotten away from it being a token gesture. Schools now believe it’s something they have to do and really want to do.”
Peter, given an MBE for his work in 2003, was presented with his Hall of Fame award by GMB Regional Secretary Tom Brennan.