Derbyshire CFA help organise Football v Homophobia fixture
February is Football v Homophobia (FvH) month. As part of this month of action, the University of Derby will be playing a fixture against the Nottingham Ballbois, a gay-friendly football club with players from across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
The club provides an environment where players and supporters can enjoy football regardless of their sexual orientation. The ethos of their club is just as important to them as winning games. They aim to promote an environment where everyone, regardless of background, feels included and are able to enjoy the football and the club’s social activities.
Team Derby 11 vs Nottingham Ball Bois 11
Venue: Derby University | Sunday 24th February | 3.15pm kick off
Mark Farthing, Derby Universities Athletic Union President said “We are really pleased to have the opportunity to get involved with the Football v Homophobia campaign on the pitch to reaffirm the work we have done so far off it. This year we have campaigned against homophobia in sport and at the start of the year, all 33 of our sports clubs signed up to the Sports Charter to signal our intent to stamp out homophobia and transphobia at the University.
“By taking part in this match we hope to demonstrate that people from all backgrounds can come together on a football pitch and compete regardless of personal preferences and in doing so, raise awareness of the work we are doing, in the hope that we can encourage more and more LGBT students to feel comfortable to compete for Team Derby in the near future.”
Derbyshire County FA are very proud to be part of this match. After signing the Charter for Action against Homophobia and Transphobia in Sport, we feel we have a responsibility to support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) football community and help break down any barriers to participation. We believe football should be inclusive and open to all sections of the community.
Football v Homophobia is an international initiative uniting fans, players, communities, grassroots teams, professional clubs and The FA in opposing homophobia and prejudice against LGB and T (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) people in football.
FvH is endorsed and supported by Derbyshire CFA, The FA, The Football League and the League Managers Association.
You can find out more about FvH by visiting www.footballvhomophobia.com
To get involved in football in Derbyshire as a player, referee, coach or volunteer, please telephone Derbyshire County FA on 01332 361422.