Nice one Cyrille as former England striker launches film
Date Published : 08 June 2006
Former England striker Cyrille Regis has launched a Walsall Council film to kick racism into touch.
With the World Cup set to start the former West Bromwich Albion, Wolves and Aston Villa striker helped unveil the training film at its premiere at the New Art Gallery yesterday(WED).
Regis, who is now a registered football agent, stars in the training film ‘Diversity Challenge’ shot by the authority to help give a red card to discrimination.
He was one of the first high profile players of African and Caribbean origin when he made his debut for West Bromwich Albion in the late 1970s.
Cyrille said: “I’m more than happy to support this initiative by Walsall Council. Racism and other discrimination is not acceptable on the football pitch or off it and I hope this film plays its part.”
Dave Parkin, Walsall Council organizational development officer, said: “Sport is a great way of breaking down barriers and Cyrille is a Midlands football legend.
“He was greatly loved and admired for his ability on the field but also his dignity off the field in the way he overcame racism in football.
“We’re delighted that he has agreed to star in the film and will be there at the launch.
“Walsall Council is committed to fighting discrimination of every kind and this training film will help get the message across.
“I’m sure that having Cyrille as a star of the film will help get the message across.”
The film takes the form of a spoof comic TV show which features a cast of Walsall people and marks Cyrille’s small screen acting debut.
The former footballer gave his time free of charge and joined players from Pelsall Villa for the filming.
Cyrille’s career spanned more than 20 years and made his debut for West Bromwich Albion in 1977 after being signed from non-league Hayes.
Born in French Guyana and with a reputation for pace and a hard shot he scored more than 100 goals for the Baggies and won an FA Cup winners medal with Coventry in 1987.
The show highlights the need to fight prejudice and discrimination as well as tackling stereotypes.
The film, which was the brainchild of Walsall Council officers Deb Slade and Dave Parkin, will also be made available to organizations across Walsall to help spread the equalities message.