FC Isle of Man has become the island’s first Kick It Out Equality Chartered club.

In order to be affiliated with the largest anti-racism and anti-discrimination organisation, the Manx club had to meet certain criteria, including signing up to Kick It Out’s Equality Charter, which requires the Ravens to: appoint an equality/inclusion lead; attend Kick It Out workshops; publish and employ an equality policy; and proactively raise awareness of equality/inclusion.

As such, FC Isle of Man has introduced an equality, inclusion and diversity policy which includes the following:

l FC Isle of Man takes responsibility for setting the standards and values that apply throughout the club at all levels. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to participate in it.

l FCIoM in all its activities will not discriminate or in any way, treat anyone less favourably on grounds of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability.

l FCIoM will ensure it treats people fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in and enjoy its activities.

l FCIoM will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable is regarded as discrimination.

This includes sexual or racially-based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal. The club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

l FCIoM is committed to taking positive action where inequalities exist and to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities to promote the eradication of discrimination and promote equality in football.

l FCIoM is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members to abide and adhere to these policies and the requirements of the Equality Act 2017 of Tynwald.

l FCIoM commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims when brought to its attention, of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice stops, and sanctions are imposed as appropriate.

The club’s commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.

In a statement released last week, the club said: ’As a Sporting Club Isle of Man team, FC Isle of Man was formed with the mantra of representing our entire community; a commitment strengthened with the confirmation that we are now the island’s first Kick It Out Equality Chartered Club.

’Kick It Out is an organisation whose aim is to tackle all forms of discrimination in English football through promoting the benefits of equality, inclusion and diversity at all levels of the game.

’As a club we are proud that this certification shows we are travelling in the right direction. But there is always more that we can and will continue to do to promote equality and take active steps to tackle discrimination. For more information, please contact our equality and inclusion officer Gary Weightman.’