UA92 and University of Salford team up for Hate Crime Awareness Week

As part of Hate Crime Awareness Week (11–18 October), we joined forces with the University of Salford to co-host a 5-a-side football tournament with a powerful message: to stand united against hate and promote inclusivity both on and off the pitch. 

The event took place on Wednesday 15th October at the University of Salford’s Sports Centre, bringing together students from UA92 and Salford in a friendly yet competitive match. While teams were eager to lift the trophy, the true goal was to raise awareness of hate crime, encourage positive conversations and strengthen the sense of community across both campuses. 

Tackling Hate Through Sport

The tournament formed part of a wider initiative between the University of Salford, UA92, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s “Too Great for Hate” campaign and Kick It Out – an organisation committed to challenging all forms of discrimination in football. 

Through this partnership, the event aimed to provide students with an opportunity to learn more about hate crime, understand the support available and engage in open dialogue around an important topic in a relaxed environment. 

Danielle Swidrak, Specialist Case Advisor at the University of Salford, who has helped create this event, said: “This event has been designed to encourage students to learn about what hate crime is, what support is out there and the reporting options available, both at the University and locally. We want to make sure this is done in an interactive way, so that people feel relaxed and comfortable. It (the topic of hate crime) can be quite scary, and it can also be quite traumatic for people who’ve experienced hate crime.”  

Danielle Farrell, Head of Sport92, said: “UA92 is proud to have an incredibly diverse student population, and this is reflected across our football teams. We stand defiantly against hate crime and are delighted to be partnering with the University of Salford and Kick It Out to tackle all forms of discrimination both on and off the pitch.” 

Building Awareness and Connection

In addition to the on-pitch action, students had the opportunity to engage with a range of local services and partners, including Greater Manchester Police, Salford City Council, Trafford Council, and Catch22, who were on site to provide information about reporting hate crime and accessing support. Representatives from Kick It Out also shared their free educational modules, offering practical guidance on how to challenge discrimination and promote inclusion in sport. 

Looking Ahead

This year’s partnership between UA92 and the University of Salford represents another significant step towards a shared vision of inclusive, respectful university communities. Plans are already underway for Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week 2026, with ambitions to expand the event into a wider, multi-university tournament. 

At UA92, we believe in the power of sport to inspire connection, equality and understanding.