Aston Villa proudly supports rainbow laces

Aston Villa proudly supports rainbow laces

Aston Villa will be demonstrating the club’s ongoing support for LGBTQ+ inclusion by celebrating Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign at this weekend’s game against Brentford.

All Premier League fixtures between 22 and 30 October will be dedicated to Rainbow Laces. Campaign support will be visible at every stadium and clubs will be demonstrating that football is everyone’s game in a variety of ways.

Rainbow-themed captain’s armbands will be worn while ball plinths, handshake boards and LED perimeter boards will also highlight important messages. This year, the Premier League is encouraging fans to play their part by holding conversations about what we can all do to support LGBTQ+ people and help create environments where everyone feels welcome.

Aston Villa works closely with LGBTQ+ supporters’ network Villa & Proud to help create a welcoming environment at Villa Park.

The club also supported the group at Birmingham Pride last month, helping to spread the message of equality and inclusion in the local community.  

“Aston Villa has been our biggest ally through their support and celebrating Birmingham Pride with us demonstrates that.”

“Having the club stand side-by-side with Villa & Proud means the world to us and enhances the visibility we need to progress.”

Sarah Breslin, Co-Chair and Women’s Football lead at Villa & Proud

The Aston Villa Foundation has also been playing a proactive part in the Rainbow Laces campaign, and they have delivered key messages to local school children earlier this month.

The Foundation’s Schools team welcomed four local primary schools into Villa Park for an Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Workshop around Rainbow Laces and No Room for Racism.

The session covered topics around Gender Equality, LGBTQ+ Inclusion, racism and taking the knee.

 “Inclusion starts with education and our Primary Stars team have a very important role to play with the local schools they work with.”

“Our EDI Workshops enable pupils to learn about why the club engages with important campaigns such as Rainbow Laces and how we celebrate and educate pupils on difference, all of which is underpinned by the club’s ‘All In’ ethos.”

“The workshops also enable opportunities for self-reflection and a deeper understanding of topics such as gender stereotypes.”

Lucy Keeling, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead

In addition to these activities, players in the club’s Academy will receive sessions from the Stonewall x PL Life Skills Programme to explore how empowering players of all identities to thrive is key to unlocking their full potential on the pitch.