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Become Football v Homophobia Champions

Join us in championing inclusion in football during Football v Homophobia's month of action.

Cheshire 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 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

Cheshire FA are proud to be supporting the campaign and the month of action this February. CEO, Steve Smithies, highlighted the importance of the campaign. “The work that Football v Homophobia do is vital in ensuring that LGBTI people are made to feel welcome and a part of our football family, as should everyone," he said. "We are proud as a County FA to be supporting the month of action and look forward to seeing the response of our clubs, leagues and grassroots community in supporting the campaign through their visibility and allyship.”

Business Support Manager, Greg McLean, added: “We are fully behind this campaign as a County FA and as someone who has gone through the journey of coming out, it is a campaign that is vital in raising awareness around inclusion. As a member of the LGBTI community, I would like to thank the team at Football v Homophobia for their hard work and dedication in running this campaign.”

A dedicated weekend has been chosen by Cheshire FA to support the campaign. This will take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 February 2022.

Clubs, Leagues and Referees are encouraged to sign up to be a ‘Champion’. You can do this via https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/grassroots/ 

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 Puma 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 https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/shop/ including t-shirts, mugs, captain’s armbands, face masks and more!

Our Inspire League will be proudly displaying their support for #FvH2022 at our next league day on 27 February at Cheshire FA HQ. Our Women & Girls Football Development Officer, Steph Knott spoke of her pride at supporting the campaign.

“Our Inspire League continues to go from strength to strength each month and the work done by our incredible volunteers to provide football for all means that we have created an inclusive environment where every participant can enjoy their football in a safe, positive setting," she said. "The Football v Homophobia campaign is one that is vitally important when it comes to ensuring everyone feels welcome in football; it will be a great weekend of football across Cheshire to support it.”

TAG US INTO YOUR SUPPORTIVE TWEETS AND PHOTOS @CHESHIRE_FA, AND USE THE HASHTAG #FvH2022