Pro League’s “Football for All” campaign: for inclusion, against homophobia
On March 4, 5 and 6, Belgian professional soccer was dressed in rainbow colors. With the ‘Football for All’ campaign, the Pro League and its clubs again made a statement for inclusion and against homophobia, as they do against racism and other forms of discrimination. Soccer is for everyone, on and off the field. Pro League converts this basic idea into concrete policy.
The Pro League wants to take up its role as a trigger of top sport and as an important social actor. That is why the captain’s bands and cornering flags in the Jupiler Pro League and 1B Pro League wear the colors of the inclusive rainbow flag. The symbolism of the rainbow on a soccer field is and will remain a powerful signal, but the Pro League wants to do more.
Last year, Australian professional footballer Josh Cavallo outed himself. In response, the Pro League engaged a diversity consultant to set up a counseling process. Together with this diversity consultant, an action plan will be created to detect and eliminate existing barriers for individuals in the LGBTQI+ community. The action plan will also be shared with other sports federations to support them in this effort.
The Pro League and its clubs demonstrate their commitment to diversity, inclusion and respect. We stand together against homophobia, racism and all other forms of discrimination and inequality. The objective is clear: everyone should be able to be themselves. In our stadium and beyond.
Jan Cas, Football & Community Manager
In addition, the Pro League is also working with expert organizations to initiate workshops for young soccer players and youth coaches. The new generation is clearly thinking about gender, sexuality and identity. The input and expertise of experts by experience will help us to create an inclusive sports environment. After all, we remain firmly convinced that soccer should and can be there for everyone.
Aris Limassol FC Social, Environmental, and Health Initiatives
