Sheffield United Community Foundation celebrate the Football v Homophobia month
February marks the Football v Homophobia month of action and the Sheffield United Community Foundation has worked alongside Rainbow Blades to deliver LGBTQ+ workshops to students at Sheffield United Community College.
This initiative exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football and aims to make football a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ people, improve their representation and visibility, and to use use football in society as a tool to create positive change.
“It was a really good session. There was a lot of good conversations in class afterwards. I think it’s just basic respect for people. By holding these sessions, it gets the word out and it makes people feel more confident and inclusive in football. It spreads a wide message and makes everybody feel included.”
Izzy, Community College student
Rainbow Blades is the official Sheffield United LGBTQ+ and allies supporters club, launched in 2020. Their mission is to empower LGBTQ+ Blades & Allies to celebrate diversity and inclusion, drive positive change in attitudes and increase LGBTQ+ visibility, while nsuring a safe and inclusive environment for all at Sheffield United Football Club.
“It’s been great to come down and speak to the students about the importance of allyship. It’s fantastic to see the reception from them and how knowledgeable they are already on LGBTQ+ inclusion, how much they want to learn and be visible allies. It’s extremely heart-warming and bodes well for the future.”
James Laley, Founder & Chair of Rainbow Blades
Aris Limassol FC Social, Environmental, and Health Initiatives
