As League leaders Hyde FC return to action this weekend and play Droylsden in the Blue Square North on 25th FEB 2012 at 3pm, they will once again create a little bit of history when they officially recognise the match as a FOOTBALL v HOMOPHOBIA event, and as part of LGBT History Month.
LGBT campaign and activist group "Just a Ball Game?" will be match ball sponsors, the first time any LGBT organisation has been match ball sponsors of a semi-professional football match in the UK. The day of awareness-raising has been jointly arranged by the club and "Just a Ball Game?" and we urge everyone who enjoys football whether they are LGBT or straight to come along and support the Tigers in this local derby and join in with the days events.
A number of LGBT campaigners and local players from Village Manchester FC will also attend the game and show support for the semi-pro club whose players will come out onto the pitch before kick -off wearing both "Just a Ball Game?" and Football v Homophobia t-shirts which they will then hand out to the fans. The Football v Homophobia banner will be on display throughout the game. Flyers, stickers and badges will be handed out to fans to help raise awareness around anti-gay issues in the game.
Founding director of "Just a Ball Game?" Lindsay England stated: "We are grateful for the support that Hyde FC are giving to help challenge any anti-gay prejudice in football, and although we will not change a culture over-night; much progress is being made to educate, and this is testimony to the club's proactive planning and forward thinking."
Alan Duffy of the Justin Campaign added: "The Justin Campaign is delighted that Hyde FC are supporting Football v Homophobia. The involvement of clubs such as The Tigers is vital to the continuing growth of our initiative in particular and the fight against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia in football in general."
Alan Duffy, Director of Communications, The Justin Campaign.
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