Arches Housing were declared the champions at a Sheffield charity football match when seven local organisations teamed up to raise awareness of the international ‘Football vs Homophobia’ campaign, which is aimed at stamping out homophobia in the sport.
Guinness Northern Counties organised the event with help from and Manor and Castle development trust which took place at the Park Community Centre off Duke Street 20th February. The event was supported by many local organisations including Sheffield Homes, Sheffield City Council, the Fire & Rescue Service, Sheffield Homes, Arches Housing and Pennine Housing.
Football v Homophobia is an international event opposing homophobia in football, which provides an opportunity for individuals, communities and teams the world over to communicate their disapproval of homophobia in football and celebrate football’s diverse following under the banner of Football v Homophobia.
Organiser Brian Hamlin, Guinness Northern Counties’ Community Investment Manager, , said: “It’s been a thrilling day and great to support this initiative locally and raise awareness of homophobia in football. All of the organisations here today are strongly committed to equality & diversity and happy to campaign against discrimination of any sort.”
Jen Watts, Communications Officer for the Justin Campaign, said: “The Justin Campaign is delighted that Guinness Northern Counties is supporting Football v Homophobia 2013. Their support, along with that of businesses, organisations, schools and colleges in the UK and around the world, is key to helping to make football a secure and welcoming space for LGB and T people.”