- Football v Homophobia to receive £10,200 donation from PUMA UK following second annual activation of EFL’s Rainbow Ball
- 1.1 million fans attended matches in which the special matchball was used, with 1.9m viewers watching these games live on TV
- FvH’s Lou Englefield says support is “huge boost” to campaign…
QPR Rainbow Rangers member Jay Hutchinson-May holds the EFL PUMA Rainbow Ball
Football v Homophobia says a donation made by PUMA following the EFL’s second annual Rainbow Ball activation will provide a “huge boost” to the campaign.
In the period from 6 to 17 February, 204 goals were scored across 86 EFL fixtures, with every club in the Championship, League One and League Two showing their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
All of the #RainbowGoals helped to raise money in the FvH Month of Action that goes towards tackling discrimination, via the funding of training, resources and delivery across the game.
“Support from the EFL and PUMA has given a huge boost to this year’s Month of Action and the donation of £10,000 will help our year-round education work to ensure that football really is for everyone” said FvH campaign director Lou Englefield.
More than a third of EFL clubs also signed up to be FvH Champions, dedicating a matchday to the campaign and amplifying the inclusion messages. The majority did so in conjunction with their amazing LGBTQ+ and allies fans groups.
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The EFL is again sponsoring the Professional Game category at the annual FvH Awards, which will be held in Glasgow on Friday. There will be strong EFL representation at the gala night, with 10 of those shortlisted having a connection to the league.
Reflecting on the Rainbow Ball activation, the EFL’s EDI director David McArdle said: “It’s been fantastic to see EFL clubs raising awareness of and celebrating their LGBTQ+ communities over the last month.
“We have been proud to continue our strong ties with Football v Homophobia and to work with PUMA to bring to life the Rainbow Ball for a second season.”
Among the highlights of the February activation were short films showing Rainbow Blades and Rainbow Owls – the LGBTQ+ fan groups of Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday respectively – putting their rivalry aside to come together for a special five-a-side match.
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PUMA’s managing director Lucynda Davies added: “It’s been great to see the positive reception the return of the Rainbow Ball has had across the country, with all 72 EFL clubs taking to the pitch with the ball during the campaign.
“Football is all about community, so donating towards local LGBTQ+ causes, helping those groups, and championing their voices is incredibly important to PUMA.
“In partnership with organisations like the EFL and FvH we’re committed to raising awareness and supporting the work of clubs in this area.”
To support FvH as a club, fan group or other football organisation, follow the links from the FvH homepage.
For more information about the Rainbow Ball, visit the EFL website.
A version of this article first appeared on Sports Media LGBT+.
Notes for editors
About Football v Homophobia
Football v Homophobia (FvH) is an international initiative that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression at all levels of football.
We want football to take a clear stand against homophobia and transphobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Learn more here.
The annual Month of Action for the FvH campaign is held every February, in what is also LGBT+ History Month.
FvH provides tailored education sessions for people in football of all age groups.
For more news and content relating to FvH, as well as our Football v Transphobia initiative, visit our archive.