Yahoo! Article
Discrimination within Surrey Metro Soccer Association
Discrimination within Surrey Metro Soccer Association
Wed Apr 25, 11:33 AM
VANCOUVER (CBC) - A group of parents is launching a human rights complaint against the Surrey Metro Soccer Association, accusing it of discrimination against South Asians and other ethnic groups.
The parents say the situation has been going on for years and they have been unable to change it.
"We're seen as outsiders in their clubs. When it comes to coaching appointment time, there is unfairness, and there's no checks and balances," said certified soccer coach Sukhi Sandhu, whose children play in the Surrey soccer league.
He said more than 50 per cent of the players in the league are South Asian, but the makeup of the board of directors does not reflect that.
"We're not saying this should be symbolic; it should be on merit. We've got a number of capable people from different communities," said Sandhu.
The parents have asked New Democrat MLA Harry Bains for help.
Bains said he has called on Stan Hagen, the B.C. minister of sport, to intervene to get to the bottom of the issue.
"The only way to do that is if this government intervenes. If there is a perceived discrimination, perceived racial issues, that to me is serious stuff."
An official with the league refused to comment