Dear Colorado Spurs Community,
It’s already been three months since our last meet up at Esters. We cheered on our lads against Burnley without any idea of what this spring had in store for us. Nothing about the season and certainly nothing about 2020 has felt normal and if anything has caused such a disruption to daily life that we will be forever changed.
In this time of disequilibrium, we felt it was important to recognize the worldwide civil rights reawakening sparked by the most recent loss of African-American life at the hands of police. In the tragic killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others, we are pausing to reflect deeply on our role as participants in the global community. We wish to express our support of the Black Lives Matter movement and of our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Spurs supporters.
Diversity is the cornerstone of Tottenham Hotspur. It is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse areas in all of London. It is home to a large Jewish fanbase and Spurs were amongst the first English professional teams to bring on a Black player, Walter Tull. Tull made his professional football debut with Tottenham in 1909. He came from Barbados and went on to be the first Black officer to lead White troops in the British Army. He was an extraordinary man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country in No Man’s Land against the Germans during WWI. Despite all of Tull’s contributions, he faced constant abuse about his race both on the pitch and in battle. Spurs were also one of the first clubs to introduce international players to the old first division, with the addition of Osvaldo Ardilles and Ricky Villa. Both men struggled with their national identity during the early eighties when Argentina and Britain went to war, and suffered racial taunts from opposing fans.
One hundred eleven years later, players and supporters continue to suffer racial abuse. Danny Rose feared for his family’s safety during the World Cup in Russia last year because of overtly racist behavior of supporters there. We’ve witnessed supporters throw water bottles, spit, and make horrific statements at our players and BIPOC players around the world.
For Walter Tull and for every player or supporter who has faced discrimination or abuse on account of their skin color, and or ethnic background, we must do better. Colorado Spurs is and always will be an inclusive club. We commit to fostering an inclusive and respectful club atmosphere where all supporters feel safe and welcome.
We are grateful for you. We appreciate you. Remain compassionate and focused. Let’s get to work together to make the world a better place; and let’s start with our club and ourselves.
With love, compassion, and resolve,
The Colorado Spurs Leadership Team
Prudence Daniels, Chair
Jonathan Godfrey, Co-Chair
Doug Hoyt, Secretary
Keith Mainland, Treasurer
