Our colleagues hit the turf for charity five-a-side football tournaments in York and Gatwick, raising money for Show Racism the Red Card.
Hosted by Nestlé UK and Ireland’s employee network, the Eradicating Racism Network (ERN), the tournaments brought teams from across the business together for a day of football, fundraising and allyship. Each team raised £100 to take part, with further fundraising taking place throughout the week. Those taking to the field were able to use one of their two annual volunteering days.
The ERN exists to help our organisation eradicate racism and to be a force for good in driving racial equity in wider society. The ERN brings together ethnically diverse colleagues and allies together to eradicate racism in all its forms and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s leading anti-racism education charity, working with young people and communities to tackle racism through education and role models. Its resources and teachings challenge misconceptions, stereotypes, and negative attitudes in society.
We spoke to Waseem Akram in Sales and ERN Co-Chair, and Ellie Taylor in Finance and ERN Co-Chair, about why the tournament matters.
Why has the ERN organised charity football matches?
“Now in its third year, our charity football tournament continues to be a powerful show of allyship across Nestlé. We’re raising awareness, supporting the vital work of Show Racism the Red Card and aiming to build on the £3,000 we’ve raised over the past two years. With the tournament taking place during the World Cup, the energy and excitement were stronger than ever, reminding us that football has the unique ability to bring people together for positive change,” said Waseem.
Why was Show Racism the Red Card the right charity to support?
Ellie said: “We’ve chosen to partner with Show Racism the Red Card because of the vital work they deliver in our communities, especially in schools, where unconscious biases may begin to form. Their focus on education is essential to tackling the root causes of racism, and supporting their mission aligns directly with our commitment to drive allyship across Nestlé.”
Through the tournament, the ERN is bringing that purpose into the workplace, using football to start conversations and show that racism has no place on or off the pitch.
What do you hope colleagues took away from the day?
“We hope colleagues recognised that every voice matters and that inappropriate behaviour should never be ignored. Standing up for one another is powerful and it makes a real difference in how people feel at work. Alongside this important message, we also hoped everyone to enjoyed the tournament, where there was plenty of friendly competition and the chance to be crowned ERN Champion 2026,” said Ellie.
How does this event support the ERN’s wider work at Nestlé UK and Ireland?
Waseem explained, “This event is one of two key moments in the year for our network, sitting alongside our internal event focused on education. Together they help us support important causes and keep conversations about racial equity moving across Nestlé. We know there is more to do and supporting our colleagues is an important part of that. That commitment is at the heart of the ERN and we’re proud to work alongside our fellow colleague networks to build an inclusive and safe environment rooted in respect.”
If you’d like to support Show Racism the Red Card, you can donate here.
