Bt And Uefa Team Up To Tackle Online Abuse
Ahead of the UEFA Super Cup, held in Belfast, BT Sport and the UEFA Foundation for Children have teamed up to raise awareness of online abuse and the broadcaster’s ongoing Hope United campaign.
The pair hosted a football match involving children aged between 14 and 17 from community projects across Northern Ireland, with the aim of helping to ‘bridge the sectarian divide’ and integrate refugees who have settled in the country, while also educating children on how to protect themselves and others online.
Players from both teams were representing Hope United, supported by footballing legends and BT Sport analysts Glenn Hoddle and Joe Cole, who were acting as coaches for the sides.
The match was organised by the Irish FA at Irish League side Crusaders’ Seaview ground, with the game ‘treated like a professional match’ and filmed by six cameras as well as featuring punditry by Rio Ferdinand, Eni Aluko and Jake Humphrey, with Darren Fletcher and Steve McManaman in the commentary booth.
Hope United was created by BT to combat abusive online behaviour. Backed by top internationals, such as Marcus Rashford, Eni Aluko, Lucy Bronze and Gareth Bale, the initiative also gives youngsters the digital skills needed to stay safe online.
“My work, both on and off the pitch, has taught me that there is no hiding place from social media abuse,” said Rio Ferdinand.
“Passions run high during big football tournaments and having seen the devastating effect that can result from online hate first-hand, it is more important than ever that sport unites to combat it.”
Eleven children who took part in the match will also take part in the UEFA Super Cup pre-match ceremony, which will see UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea face UEFA Europa League champions Villarreal at Windsor Park on Wednesday 11th August.
The youngsters, who were selected by the Irish FA Foundation, will carry a Unite Against Hate banner and read a ‘message of hope’ promoting respect and solidarity online.
“Young people are all too often victims of hate messages and harassment on social media and it is our duty to defend them,” said Urs Kluser, general secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children.
“Thanks to the BT Tech Tips to beat online hate, young people can access real tools that teach them how to detect and respond to abuse but also learn to be more conscious about their own actions online and to lead by example.”
Image: UEFA
