Ebbsfleet United Football Club and the Fleet Trust, in association with “FvH”, the Football Conference and Stockport County FC, are delighted to announce that the Fleet’s home game versus Stockport County on Saturday 16 February 2013, kick-off 3pm, has been designated as the Club’s “Football v Homophobia” match.
Players from both teams will wear the “FvH” campaign t-shirts during the pre-match warm-up, a page will be donated to the campaign in the ‘Fleet Life’ matchday programme and flyers will be handed to supporters to make them aware of the campaign and EUFC’s support.
“Football v Homophobia” is an international campaign to tackle prejudice against LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) people in football. It is supported and endorsed by the FA, the Football League and the LMA and its aim is to make football safe and welcoming for everyone.
Jessica McQueen, EUFC Chairman, said: “We deplore all forms of discrimination and, as a Club, we are proud to support the international “FvH” initiative during its month of awareness. Homophobia, like racism, has no place in our game and is not welcome at Stonebridge Road. We encourage all our supporters to respect everyone who attends our matches, irrespective of their gender, race or sexual orientation.”
Paul Lorraine, EUFC Captain, backs the Club’s initiative. “It’s important that we end all discrimination in football, and LGBT people should feel welcome in our sport, both in the dressing room and on the terraces. I’m delighted to be wearing the “FvH” t-shirt to show my support for the campaign and I hope there is an end to homophobia in football.”
Phil Moss, Fleet Trust Board member, is thrilled by the Club’s decision. “I’m delighted that Ebbsfleet United has designated the Stockport County game as our “FvH” match. As a gay football fan, I’m immensely proud that the Fleet are one of the first non-league clubs to fully support the campaign against homophobia in football. I hope in years to come we won’t need to designate matches like this and everyone will be welcome in football, irrespective of their sexuality.”
Louise Englefield, campaign director for “Football v Homophobia”, said: “Football is a massive community and this year support for our “FvH” has come from all levels in the game. For a community-focused club like Ebbsfleet United to join our campaign (alongside Arsenal, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Exeter City, Gillingham, Ipswich Town, Liverpool, MK Dons, Manchester City, Norwich City, Sunderland, West Ham United) is wonderful and to see the support from both club officials and players for “FvH” is extremely encouraging. I’d like to thank Dennis Strudwick at the Football Conference for giving permission for the players to wear our campaign t-shirts during the pre-match warm-up.”