The English football team, diversity and leadership

England have just reached the final of their first major football tournament since 1966. They are also the most versatile English team of all time, and their leader has suffered harsh criticism to become a role model leader. What can their success teach us about the power of diversity?

Diversity

The English football team is more diverse than many people realize. London Immigration Museum has run a campaign to remind that without immigration the English team we know would not exist. Their # FootballMovesPeople campaign deleted players who simply would not have wore an English shirt without first- and second-generation immigration. To highlight the power of diversity, the recent decisive victory over the German victory was significant in that without immigration there would be only three of the team left.

Robyn Kasozi, director of public activities at the Migration Museum, said: It is no exaggeration to say that without migration, football, as we know it, would not exist. “He continued,” But migration has changed a lot more than football. It goes to the heart of who we all are, where we come from and where we are going. “

England’s 2021 team, with 26 players, is racially more diverse than the country as a whole. Only 3% of the population of England is black. We literally have a largely white fan that largely encourages an ethnic minority for the first team. When you listen to players like Raheem Sterling, the importance of team and inclusion is significant. His own story speaks to the power of diversity and the importance of caring, inclusive leadership.

Directorship

If management operates within defined parameters, leadership is about challenging those parameters. The English players did not have to take a knee to support the #BlackLivesMatter and oppose racism in football. UEFA does not authorize it, few other national teams do it and British Home Secretary does not support. However, English players have continued to lead the fight against racism and will take a knee before each start.

Many English fans voted for the players out loud and in public as they took the knee. Attracting your own team and resisting the anti-racism gesture was shocking to many, including the players. Still, the team continued to lead.

Culture is what we do, not say. Many football managers and officials talk about a good game of diversity and inclusion, but English captain Harry Kane, used a rainbow strap in his match against Germany during Pride month. On the other hand, UEFA, the governing body, prohibited rainbow-based advertising in two matches in Russia and Azerbaijan citing local laws. Once again, the sports organization’s familiar lack of leadership.

England chief Gareth Southgate has written and spoken publicly about the need for greater inclusion and invited her own discriminatory fans.

He wrote an open letter in the British national press called Dear English. In it, he said that I understand that on this island we have a desire to protect our values ​​and traditions, as we should, but that should not be at the expense of self-reflection or progress. He has had an air of humility, respect and quiet courage, all the hallmarks of an excellent leader, and all the traits that are often in short supply in a beautiful game. He is truly an example.

Inspiration

In the past, the England team has been less successful. Many have commented that it was a collection of talented individuals but lacked team spirit. Where England has gone wrong in the past, players who put themselves (or clubs) in front of a team seem to change now that it matters most. They are record breakers, as in the recent 4-0 victory against Ukraine.

New, diverse talents can only find belonging to an inclusive culture. With support, resources and involvement, we have players who have allowed us to reach the finals for the first time in a very long time.

Participation applies to football teams, organizations and also countries. Following the traumatic and uneven effects of Brexit, Covid, and the growing toxic political and social debate of the Black Lives Matter, England has experienced challenging times in terms of diversity and inclusion.

Southgate wrote in his public letter: This is a special group. Humble, proud and liberated to be a true self. As a role model, players, the team, can act as such for many people in England who struggle with diversity, inclusion and community. Together we can be much more.

Look ‘This is English’ ad Stormzy, Dave and Ian Wright together and take note of Stormzys’ concluding remarks: “The past cannot hurt us, the future can inspire us. This is English, Modern English.”

After 18 months of collective trauma happening in Sunday’s final, this team has given millions of people a smile in this tournament. And it includes millions of people who would previously have been excluded if this football teams didn’t exist: their diversity and leadership.