The Clarets Trust and Burnley FC are working together to mark this year's 'Kick It Out' Week of Action by running an anti-racism poster competition for youngsters in the area.

'Kick It Out', established in 1993, works throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge racism and work for positive change. The campaign is supported and funded by the game's governing bodies, including founding body the Professional Footballers Association (PFA), the FA Premier League, the Football Foundation and The Football Association. Last year, more than 600 events took place during the Week of Action, including an anti- racism match day at all 92 professional clubs in England and Wales.

The idea behind the poster competition is that Burnley Football Club and the Clarets Trust want to become more involved with encouraging youngsters in the Burnley and Pendle area to reject racist attitudes and to bring local communities closer together through improved understanding of one another.

Each school in the local area is being invited to participate in the poster design competition. Entrants should think up a slogan that speaks out against racism, copy it out onto an A4 sheet or board, and illustrate it if they wish. It is not the quality of the artwork that is important, but the message. There are two categories - one for Under 16s and one for Under 11s. Entries will also be accepted from youth clubs and individuals.

A panel representing Burnley Football Club, the Clarets Trust and the Burnley Express will then judge all entries. Entries will be displayed around the Turf Moor ground and the winning entries from each school will be featured in a centre-spread of the match programme for Burnley's home game against Leeds on Saturday, 15th October. The winners from each category will receive free match tickets for one adult and one child to the game against Leeds. They will also receive free places for themselves and a friend on a Football in the Community Soccer School.

Entries should be sent to Poster Competition, Business Centre, Burnley Football Club, Harry Potts Way, Burnley BB10 4BX or they can be handed in there. The entrant's name, age, and either the school or entrant's address should be written on the back of each entry. Closing date is Monday 11th October.

The Clarets Trust is also organising an Anti-Racism five-a-side football competition at the BFC Leisure Centre on Sunday 16th October. Those wishing to enter can find full details at www.claretstrust.co.uk

Procedure

1. Brainstorm ideas.

Think of a slogan that speaks out against racism. A slogan is a short phrase or sentence that tells a principle or goal. An example is 'Racism Hurts.'

" What type of message will your slogan present?

" Will you tell what's wrong with racism?

" Will you give a positive message about how people should act toward one another?

2. Write.

Will your slogan be short or long? Will you use rhyming words? Write a few drafts of your slogan. Keep revising until your slogan says what you want it to say. Remember, it should be catchy.

3. Make a poster.

Copy your slogan onto an A4 sheet or poster board. Use your best handwriting or print it from your computer. You can use markers to make the words stand out. Add a drawing, painting or any artwork if you want to emphasise your message but this is not essential. It is not the quality of the artwork that is important, it is the message.

4. Present your work.

Send your entries to Poster Competition, Business Centre, Burnley Football Club, Harry Potts Way, Burnley BB10 4BX or bring them down to Turf Moor yourself. Closing date is Monday 11th October. Remember to include your name and either your school or address on the back of your entry.

5. Prizes

There are two categories - one for under 16s and one for Under 11s. Entries will be accepted from schools, youth clubs and individuals. The winning entries from each category will be featured in the centrespread of the Clarets Magazine and receive free match tickets for one adult and one child to the game against Leeds. They will also receive free places for themselves and a friend on a Football in the Community Soccer School

As many entries as possible will be put on display in and around the ground. So if you want to see your name and your poster at Burnley Football Club get thinking and get working now!

Additional resources can be found at www.kickitout.org and http://www.farenet.org/