KICK It Out, football's equality and inclusion campaign, is uniting the sport this week as the 'One Game, One Community' weeks of action is launched.

The Watford players and coaching staff have been pledging their support for the initiative and stand-in captain Adrian Mariappa told www.watfordfc.com why he feels it has a very important message to send out.

"Kick It Out do a great job for the football community.  Racism was more prominent in football a while ago but that isn't the case now because of their work.

"All around the country you see the great work from Kick It Out. However, the problem does still exist."

The 23-year-old has been a keen advocate for the issue which is very close to his heart.

"The Kick It Out scheme is definitely working and it will continue to get better and to educate people in our society.

"You do raise an eyebrow when you hear of racist problems in the game, either at home or abroad where it's sometimes more common.

"It does prove that the problem is still around and that why it's so important for schemes like this to be running and continuing to educate."

The 'One Game, One Community' Weeks Of Action are one of the most prominent equality and community engagement initiatives in the country.

As well as continued support from some of the biggest names in football, the scope and scale of Kick It Out's work has shifted with the footballing landscape.

Matters concerning gender, sexual orientation, religion and disability are now as much a part of the campaign's remit as race and skin colour were back in 1993.

"Britain has become a multi-cultural country full of people of all colours and creeds" commented Mariappa.

"Football brings people together and teaches everyone to respect one another, that's so important in today's society."