In a commendable stride towards fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion, Middlesbrough Football Club continues to make waves with its RiverSideBySide campaign. Established in 2017, this initiative stands as a testament to the club’s commitment to creating a more welcoming environment for supporters, staff, and the Teesside community at large.
The club’s dedication to these principles has not gone unnoticed, as Middlesbrough FC proudly stands among the first EFL clubs to be awarded the Premier League’s Intermediate Equality Standard. This recognition underscores the significant steps taken by the club in promoting inclusivity and breaking barriers.
Statement of Commitment
Middlesbrough Football Club’s pledge is crystal clear: to eliminate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. The commitment extends beyond mere words, with the club actively addressing inequalities and providing access and opportunities for all community members to participate in and enjoy their activities.
The Executive Management Committee at Middlesbrough FC, spearheading the club’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), fully supports this stance. Their dedication extends to ensuring fair treatment for staff, customers, supporters, clients, partners, and suppliers alike.
Annual Report Highlights Success Stories
The recently released RiverSideBySide Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of the initiative’s achievements over the past year. From Boro Fans uniting in support to spreading Christmas cheer and engaging in various community-driven activities, the report showcases the positive impact RiverSideBySide has had on the Teesside community.
Community Engagement
The club’s involvement in various community initiatives, such as supporting health check-ups, festive collections, and hosting annual dinners, exemplifies its commitment to making a meaningful difference. The engagement of Boro Players in the EFL Week of Action and the participation of Boro Legends in health check-ups further solidify Middlesbrough FC’s dedication to being an active and socially responsible community member.
Middlesbrough Football Club’s RiverSideBySide initiative goes beyond the pitch, embodying the true spirit of community engagement and inclusivity. As the club continues to set standards in promoting equality, it stands as a beacon of inspiration for others to follow suit.
For further information or to request a copy of the club’s EDI Policy, please contact Head of Safeguarding, Brian Robinson, at BRIAN.ROBINSON@MFC.CO.UK and read more about Middlesbrough Football Club’s RiverSideBySide initiative here
