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Seedorf: 'Diversity is a strength, not a weakness'

UEFA Global Ambassador for diversity and change Clarence Seedorf has told Piara Powar from the Fare network how football can help create a more diverse world.

Seedorf on tackling discrimination

The UEFA 'No to Racism' campaign traditionally takes place during the Football People action weeks organised by UEFA's social responsibility partner, the Fare network. From 6 to 20 October, diversity and difference are celebrated through a variety of activities in 55 countries.

To kick off this year's campaign this year, UEFA Global Ambassador for diversity and change Clarence Seedorf shared his views on the power of football when it comes to diversity, and on how education and young people can make a difference.

"Football can help carve a more diverse world," he said. "Looking at the first 11 players everywhere in the world, it's very diverse. We should now make sure that things become more diverse off the field too.

"Companies and football teams have become successful precisely because of how diverse they are. So this is the direction that we can aim for, and as a consequence, we will see more diverse coaches and people in governing bodies."

The former Dutch international added: "Education is a fundamental process in this whole fight. We need to educate young people, give them the possibility to understand that the diversity is positive, to feel and experience it, so that they can then join forces in promoting more diverse world."

The #FOOTBALLPEOPLE weeks challenge discrimination and promote the contribution that we all make to football, regardless of where we live, our background, or our connection to the game.

Click on the video player above to listen to the full interview.

 

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