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 17 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 Sunday 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.
Charl Galloway from Football v Homophobia campaign said: “Seeing clubs in Cymru sign up to champion and support the Football V Homophobia campaign is really heartening, particularly in current times. Clubs demonstrating their commitment to make football a safe place where everyone belongs is so important and has a genuine impact on people’s lived experiences in and around the game.”
FAW EDI and Sustainability Executive, Carys Ingram added: “Challenging homophobia in football is not optional, it is fundamental to our values. Welsh football has the power to bring people together, but that only works if everyone feels accepted. Supporting the Football v Homophobia Cymru campaign is essential to ensuring our game truly represents the diverse communities it serves.”
You can learn more about the Football v Homophobia campaign and actions which you can personally take in February at: www.footballvhomophobia.com/
To find out more information on how to make football a game for all, visit PAWB.Cymru
