Today saw the launch of the Football v Homophobia (FvH) 2015 Month of Action at the National Football Museum in Manchester and this season organisers are looking forward to another great show of support for the campaign from the football family.
Football v Homophobia takes place every year in February. It is an international campaign to tackle homophobia and prejudice against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people in football. The aim of FvH is to make football safe and welcoming for everyone.
Today’s launch saw speakers from The Premier League, the Football League and the FA express their support for the campaign, whilst Campaign Director Lou Englefield talked about the work that has been achieved since last February; including education programmes for scholars in professional club academies, community foundations and schools, the launch of a new education leaflet for junior players and initiatives focused on football supporters, which have been funded through the Fans’ Fund.
A highlight of today’s launch, for many of those attending, was an anti-homophobia football film made by Broomwood Primary school in Timperley, Trafford. Pupils from the school introduced the film which focuses on the pejorative use of the term ‘gay’ on the football field.
FvH Campaign Director, Lou Englefield explains the importance of tackling homophobic language with younger players:
“We’ve had a fantastic year working across football, but we know that homophobic attitudes and behaviours begin at an early age, and we were delighted to invite Broomwood along to the launch today to showcase their excellent work to tackle homophobic language. Today we have also launched a new leaflet for junior players, which challenges homophobic language and stereotypes and asks children to join with us to ensure football really is for everyone”
Clubs, fan groups and authorities across football can get involved in the campaign by holding events or dedicating games to Football v Homophobia with tannoy announcements, match day programme inserts, players wearing FvH shirts during their warm-ups, and a range of other activities.
Information about Football v Homophobia’s supporters so far this season and all campaign initiatives can be found at www.footballvhomophobia.com
Broomwood Primary School’s film can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JWYZaxu-4Q