AC Milan players Christy Grimshaw and Yunus Musah have spoken with secondary school students in New York, London, and Nairobi about the Club’s RespAct Manifesto.
The official website writes about the latest instalment of the ‘All the Colours of Sport’ programme which celebrates the International Day of Education.
It connected with students from Wantagh High School in New York and Cardinal Pole Catholic School in London (in collaboration with Restore the Music UK), along with beneficiaries of the Sport for Change program from Fondazione Milan in New York (with Success Academy Charter Schools) and Nairobi (with Alice for Children), and educators from Kampala, Uganda (with Fondazione Italia Uganda).
Grimshaw and Musah – hailing from Scotland and the United States respectively – were at the forefront as they spoke about their own personal experiences within the sport, addressing topics such as racism.
Of course racism is an issue that is being debated at length constantly, but particularly after the sickening abuse Mike Maignan was subjected to.
The Milan duo also highlighted the importance of combining sports and education, while they answered questions from students.
Musah: “Throughout my career, football has taught me values such as patience and respect. Patience helps you understand that you shouldn’t be discouraged because, by working hard, you can achieve your goals.
“Respect is fundamental, especially when sharing daily life with over twenty different individuals in the dressing room. It’s really sad to see things like what happened last Saturday continue to occur.
“These actions must have consequences; something needs to be done. Our reaction on the field was right: it gave us the confidence that we are a united group, emerging from that evening stronger than before and with a victory.”
Grimshaw: “During my career, I had the privilege of playing football and earning a degree at the same time. An experience that taught me to be patient and work hard.
“In a dressing room like ours, with players coming from every part of the world, it is crucial to educate each other about each other’s culture, asking as many questions as possible to better understand one another and having great respect.”
Launched in the 2020-21 season, ‘All the Colours of Sport’ aims to provide a platform for dialogue between Milan representatives and students globally as part Milan’s RespAct Manifesto.
