Paul Davis honoured by SRTRC – and the PM

The Show Racism the Red Card Campaign for 2009 got off to a great start with two high-profile events – and with Paul Davis, Arsenal legend and lately PFA Regional Coach, being inducted into their Hall of Fame.

Fittingly, it was at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium where Paul received the award from the PFA’s very own Bobby Barnes (pictured right).

It was a proud moment for Paul and for everyone at the PFA and welcome recognition for the dedicated way he has gone about supporting the SRtRC Campaign. I caught up with Paul as he reflected on the award and asked what it meant to him.

Paul says: “I was thinking about it after the event and realised it was the first thing I’ve every received from outside football. I’ve won medals in football but never anything else. It’s really special and a great award to receive.”

What surprised Paul even more was the letter that went with it which was presented to him by Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Jim Knight MP.

“At the time I didn’t look at the letter. It was only later that I got a real shock when I read it, as it was from the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, thanking me for the work I’d done highlighting this campaign.”

For Paul it’s always been important to be involved with campaigns such as SRtRc and Kick it Out. “I’ve always tried to help. Football is a great vehicle to use to show and promote acceptance amongst each other. Educating young people about working together can only benefit everyone.”

What is great for Paul is how well it compliments his work as a Regional Coach for the PFA for as he says. “I want to encourage players to recognise the importance of coaching. I feel I am a role model and I’m proud of that.

“It’s important that black and ethnic players see someone in my position. It’s very important. It shows there are no closed issues, that there is a pathway open to all. Rightly or wrongly it’s important to see someone like myself involved in the role of coach and coach education.”

It’s a win, win situation for Paul and the PFA that can only benefit everyone involved in the game. But for Paul it won’t be a case of resting on his laurels for as he states: “Although I’ve always been involved in the campaign, there’s always room to improve the situation.”