professional club in the country not to have signed up to the Kick It Out anti-racism campaign - are stepping up their involvement with ethnic minorities in the community.

The club are dishing out 60 free places on a football coaching day to youngsters from youth groups in the Chapelfields, Bell Farm and Clifton areas of the York.

Significantly, free places are also being offered to the York Racial Equality Network - a group providing support for ethnic minorities and those experiencing racial harassment and activities for youngsters.

The announcement was made as the club once again comes under fire for its refusal to give its backing to the crusade to kick racism out of football.

Piara Power, national co-ordinator of Kick It Out, is now calling for an independent 'York City Fans Charter Against Racism' that supporters could symbolically sign on behalf of the club.

The suggestion comes despite the club intending to put its own anti-racism message in match day programmes next season.

City chairman Douglas Craig said the club would also consider erecting a "suitably worded" pitch side advertising board if space is available.

The offer marks a subtle change of stance by Craig, who has been highly critical of the Kick It Out campaign.

Sophie McGill, public relations executive at Bootham Crescent, said the decision to involve the YREN in the fun coaching session proved the club was playing its part in the fight against racism.

"We are making moves to build bridges," she said. "We would normally make the free coaching places a prize in a competition, but decided this was a more positive gesture, approaching groups of youngsters who would not normally have access to such activities."

The call from Power for City fans to draw up their own anti-racism charter emerged after talks held last month with Craig and club secretary Keith Usher.

Despite the club's proposals of an anti-racism message in the programme and on an advertising board, Power said City's response remained a "negative" one.

"It leaves us with something of a problem in that we want to be positive about this issue and not just slag off York City, but the club aren't interested," said Power, in a posting on the daily York City electronic newsletter There's Only One Arthur Bottom.

Power insists the suggestion for a City fans' charter against racism would show the depth of supporters' feelings about the issue.

"The idea is one that would have a great deal of power and ultimately would send a decisive message to the media, other supporters, other clubs and would mean the campaign and supporters working together to take a positive anti-racist step," he said.

City have always maintained any racist abuse is stamped out as and when it arises at Bootham Crescent.

In his letter to Power following their meeting, Craig highlights the perceived hypocrisy of race groups like the Black Police Association which are restricted to one racial group yet claim to promote racial equality.

He also points out City's support for the Football League's anti-discrimination policy, the fact the club's stance was recently commended by the City of York Council, and the regular use of City players as role models.

The adidas-sponsored coaching day, on September 1, will be run by City's Football in the Community officer, Paul Olsson. A number of City star players are expected to take part.