Your Game Your Way

Football Association, EDI Community of Practice

Welcome to Your Game – Your Way, the podcast from The FA’s EDI Community of Practice Ambassadors. We spotlight the voices and stories of underrepresented communities across football. Join us as we dive into monthly conversations in a different aspect of EDI with grassroots champions and industry leaders on disability football, anti-discrimination, talent ID, and more. Whether you’re a coach, player, or fan, tune in for the insights and actions needed to make the beautiful game truly inclusive for everyone.

Episodes

  1. Jun 25

    2.05 Your Game Your Way - World Cup 2026

    First Published: 25/06/26 Hosts: Alan Lau & Kiki Christofi Special Guests: Nilesh Chauhan, David Morgan, Sophie Cook, Giancarlo Gaglione & Steve Atkins. # Celebrating The World Cup's Power to Connect and Include: Insights from the Football Community Discover how football fosters unity, diversity, and inclusion across different levels—from grassroots initiatives to international tournaments. This episode features heartfelt stories, inspiring projects, and key moments demonstrating football's impact on community and identity.   Key Topics:  The emotional and cultural significance of the World Cup for fans globally  Personal memories and pivotal moments in football history The role of football in bringing together intersecting identities and fostering inclusivity  The Football United initiative and its efforts to promote diversity within the sport  Behind-the-scenes of organizing inclusive matches involving armed forces and community groups  Building community through football: stories from players, volunteers, and supporters  How football acts as a universal language connecting people across different backgrounds  Upcoming tournaments and the future of inclusive football programs  Resources & Links:  Football United Initiative  FA Inclusivity Programs (Details on FA's diversity and inclusion efforts) Kew Park RangersWimbourne Town Club  Rainbow Rovers LGBTQ Football Team (Information about their activities and history)  Royal Air Force Football  Connect with the Guests:  Sophie Cook -  LinkedIn | article Nilesh Chauhan - LinkedIn  Steve Atkins - Sussex FA

  2. May 8

    2.02 Your Game Your Way - Reporting Discrimination

    Recorded: 25 Feb 26 Hosts: Alan Lau & Kiki Christofi Special Guests: Sam Okafor & Alex Francis Discrimination in football isn’t just a cultural issue—it’s a societal mirror. But what if we told you the game is more than just a reflection? It’s a battleground for change. In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the complex web of discrimination—covering direct, systemic, intersectional, and online hate—and explore how grassroots efforts, governing bodies, and powerful collaborations are fighting back with real, tangible impact. Join us as Sam, CEO of Kick It Out, and expert guests dive into the nuances of race, gender, disability, and religious bias in sport. From the emotional trauma players face to the innovative reporting tools transforming how cases are handled—this episode reveals the courage behind each report, the importance of swift action, and the stories that spearhead progress. Discover how organizations like Kick It Out leverage community partnerships, use storytelling for change, and navigate the legal and cultural maze to create a safer, more inclusive game for everyone. You’ll learn actionable insights—like how social media, community advocacy, and powerful policies are shaping the future of fair play. We break down the impact of high-profile cases, the importance of trust in reporting systems, and why every voice counts in the fight against discrimination. Whether you're a fan, a coach, or an advocate, understanding these mechanisms equips you to be part of the solution today.This episode isn’t just about football—it’s about moving society closer to zero tolerance. If you're committed to standing up against injustice or want to understand how change is cultivated from grassroots to global levels, this is essential listening. Because in the fight for equality, collective action is our strongest weapon.With insights from leaders who live and breathe this work daily, you'll leave inspired and empowered, knowing that every conversation, report, and community effort can shift the game. Tune in, learn how you can support, and join the movement toward genuine inclusion in football and beyond.

    2.02 Your Game Your Way - Reporting Discrimination
  3. May 6

    2.04 Your Game Your Way - Autism in Football

    Recorded: 29 April 26 Host: Alan Lau Special Guests: Leanne Jensen & Harry Scarfe Most grassroots football clubs are missing a simple but crucial step: understanding autism. Highlighting and celebrating experts like Harry Scarfe and Leanne Jensen, it becomes clear that inclusive sports spaces are within reach — but only if we recognize the unique needs of autistic players, referees, and supporters. Harry Scarfe, a 17-year-old football content creator and autism advocate, shares how hyperfixations like football serve as his superpower—driving him to create spaces where learning disabilities are celebrated, not stigmatized. His journey from winning a national award to transforming his passion into a platform for inclusion shows how one voice can ripple through to thousands, changing perceptions of what autistic individuals can achieve in sport.Leanne Jensen, mother of three neurodivergent children and Disabled Supporters liaison at Hull City, reveals practical steps she’s taken to make stadiums more accessible: visual routines, sensory rooms, inclusive steward training, and the power of clear communication. She explains how tailored environments and staff that understand sensory needs are game-changers—bringing joy and confidence to supporters who once felt excluded. Together, they illustrate that systemic change begins with education—training staff, coaches, and volunteers to see autism as a superpower, not a disorder. From referee breaks to inclusive coaching techniques, small adjustments create enormous opportunities for participation. Ignoring this knowledge perpetuates unnecessary barriers, while embracing it unlocks a world of sport for everyone.

    2.04 Your Game Your Way - Autism in Football

About

Welcome to Your Game – Your Way, the podcast from The FA’s EDI Community of Practice Ambassadors. We spotlight the voices and stories of underrepresented communities across football. Join us as we dive into monthly conversations in a different aspect of EDI with grassroots champions and industry leaders on disability football, anti-discrimination, talent ID, and more. Whether you’re a coach, player, or fan, tune in for the insights and actions needed to make the beautiful game truly inclusive for everyone.