THE University of Worcester, Worcester Students' Union and Worcester City Football Club have joined forces to help kick racism out of football.

Kick it Out is a national anti-racism campaign being run this month by football's leading bodies, including the Football Association, the PFA and the FA Premier League.

Worcester Students' Union First XI football team used their home game with the University of Central England to mark the campaign in the city.

They were joined by Worcester City chairman Dave Boddy, player and University of Worcester student Shabir Khan and University vice-chancellor Professor David Green.

Students' Union vice-president Ash Fuller, who organised the event, was backed by the National Union of Students and British University Sport's Association.

Fuller said; "We want to promote in Worcester the message that racism is not acceptable in sport or in any aspect of life.

"Football is a great way to spread this message and it is one which Worcester Students' Union fully support."

Boddy said: "We fully back the anti-racism message. Fortunately, we have had very few incidents of racism at St George's Lane over the years and we will be continuing to raise awareness of racism issues in the future."

Professor Green added: "The university is backing this campaign as a great way to put across an anti-racist educational message to young people throughout the country.

"The Kick it Out scheme will help to eradicate any type of abuse, from our park pitches through to the Premiership, and we support it wholeheartedly."

Meanwhile, Wyre Forest District Council have also supported the campaign with an anti-racism awareness roadshow visiting five schools during the week.

A tournament day is also being held at Springfield Park, Kidderminster, on Tuesday.

There will be a children's tournament from 10am until noon, a guest speaker through to 1pm and then an adult competition until 3pm.