February marks both LGBTQ+ history month and the campaign month of ‘Football v Homophobia’ (FvH), a pivotal movement championing inclusivity in the sport.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) will continue its support of FvH in a stand against all forms of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, to ensure football truly is a game for all.
The imperative FvH campaign, which has run over the last 16 years, is an initiative delivered by Pride Sports UK that seeks to reduce discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity at all levels of the game through education, resources and awareness-raising activities.
The FvH Month of Action will begin on Saturday 1 February and a number of Clubs and organisations across Welsh football have confirmed the dates of their designated games and tournaments During the FvH Month of Action the FAW encourages all Clubs to sign up to receive the FvH resource pack, dedicate a fixture in support of FvH, whilst continuing to highlight a welcoming environment for all at their Club. Clubs can learn how to at: www.footballvhomophobia.com/grassroots/
Unfortunately, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia is still present across the game. Recent data from Kick It Outdetails anti-LGBTQ+ hate related to football is continuing to rise online, with reports of online transphobia increasing by 183%. FvH Cymru will be offering Clubs across Wales opportunities to develop their education in this area throughout, and following, the Month of Action.
Director of Pride Sports UK & Campaign Director of Football V Homophobia, Lou Englefield said: “As we kick off the Football v Homophobia Month of Action, we’re looking for more clubs than ever in Cymru to get involved. Football in Wales has the capacity to reach into the heart of our diverse communities, call out discrimination and be a force for LGBTQ+ inclusion and belonging. Mae pêl-droed yn gêm i bawb!”
This year, the sixth annual FvH Awards will be staged at a special gala ceremony in Glasgow on the night of Friday 7 March, hosted by FvH Scotland.
FAW EDI and Sustainability Executive, Carys Ingram added, “The FvH awards is a wonderful evening which highlights some of the amazing stories of those championing LGBTQ+ inclusion across the game, including Cymru’s very own Jess Fishlock, who is a shortlisted nominee in the FVH Cymru category.
“This month and beyond, the FAW will continue to utilise its platform to highlight LGBTQ+ challenges and barriers across the game, in addition to working toward a future where everyone, everywhere in Wales feels as though they belong in the game.”
You can learn more about the Football v Homophobia campaign and actions which you can personally take in February at: www.footballvhomophobia.com/
Find more information on how to make football a game for all at: PAWB.Cymru
