NORTHAMPTONSHIRE FA IS CALLING ON OUR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL COMMUNITY TO JOIN US THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY IN CHAMPIONING INCLUSION IN FOOTBALL, AS FOOTBALL V HOMOPHOBIA COMMENCES ITS MONTH OF ACTION.

ABOUT FOOTBALL V HOMOPHOBIA

Football v Homophobia exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football. As an international initiative Football v Homophobia (FvH) engages in campaigning, education, advice and guidance, research, policy consultation and capacity building to:

1. Make existing football structures safe, welcoming and inclusive for LGBTI people

2. Create opportunities and promote engagement of LGBTI people in football at all levels and in all forms

3. Improve the representation and visibility of LGBTI people throughout football

4. To realise the potential of football in society as a tool to create positive change

Northamptonshire FA are proud to be supporting the campaign and the month of action this February. Christian Smith, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire FA, highlighted the importance of the campaign.

“As a County FA, we stand firmly against any act of discrimination and adopt a zero tolerance policy in any incidents of behaviour of a discriminatory nature," he said.

"We are very proud to have recently been awarded the Foundation Level for the Equality Standard in Sport and together with our Inclusion Advisory Group will challenge any and all homophobic or related discrimination in the game.

"Football is for everyone, regardless of race, gender, faith, age, disability or sexual orientation and we stand united in ensuring all forms of discrimination are eradicated from the sport in Northamptonshire.”

Northamptonshire FA are encouraging as many of their Clubs and Leagues to sign up to be a ‘Champion’.

Football v Homophobia writes: “Clubs that sign up will be emailed a campaign pack with some top tips on creating a more inclusive environment and how to make the most of a designated match day. You will receive a rainbow match ball prior to your designated match, along with education leaflets for players. Your club badge will also be added to our 2022 Champions page.”

You could also purchase various items from Football v Homophobia’s dedicated shop, including t-shirts, mugs, captain’s armbands, face masks and more!

TAG US INTO YOUR SUPPORTIVE TWEETS AND PHOTOS @NorthantsFA, AND USE THE HASHTAG #FVH2022