Swindon Town FC release campaign video for Football v Homophobia Action Month
It is part of the EFL’s plan to make football safer for the LGBTQ+ community
Swindon Town FC have teamed up with Swindon and Wiltshire Pride in support of the EFL’s Football v Homophobia Action Month.
They have created a campaign video featuring manager Ian Holloway as well as players from the men’s, women’s and academy teams and first-team kitmen.
The month of action coincides with LGBT History Month which runs annually through the month of February.
Callum Knowles, Media Executive of Swindon Town FC, said: “I believe it's really important to use the size of the club to become a catalyst for positive change amongst the community and in Football.
“There's no room for discrimination in football and as a club, we can do so much more in building relationships with our supporters, the local community, and Swindon and Wiltshire Pride”.
A recent survey by ‘Out and Out in Football’ found that almost two-thirds have experienced anti-LGBTQ+ abuse in a football environment.
Andy Midwinter, press manager of Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, explained: “Football clubs have an important role to play in bringing about social change, and as we look ahead to the EFL’s Month of Action for Football v Homophobia, we can’t underestimate the importance of this campaign in fostering a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ players and fans”.
As part of the Football v Homophobia campaign, all clubs in the Sky Bet EFL will be playing their fixtures with rainbow-coloured footballs between the 6th and the 17th of February.
“As a charity, we were invited into the club this week, and it’s so exciting to see such passion from Ian Holloway, his players, and everyone at the club regarding this vital campaign”, he added.
“I truly believe that together we can create a football community where everyone feels at home and celebrated.”
Swindon and Wiltshire Pride have been working on creating an LGBTQ+-inclusive community in the county for over 15 years.
They regularly work with schools and Swindon Wildcats as well as host events, including a yearly Pride event, across Wiltshire to spread acceptance and awareness.
Last year, they were finalists at the British LGBT Awards.
Equality, diversity and inclusion officer Hannah Peterkin said: “I’m incredibly proud to be supporting this project alongside Swindon and Wiltshire Pride.
“This exciting new collaboration not only allows us to champion the community throughout February but also paves the way for ongoing support all year long."
Swindon Town FC’s campaign video will be live on all their social media platforms from 8am.
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