Blackpool FC Community Trust launch LGBTQ+ football sessions
Blackpool is made up of many communities including a large LGBTQ+ community. Blackpool FC is an inclusive club where everyone is welcome to enjoy the beautiful game. As part of community provision, Blackpool FC Community Trust (BFCCT) have recognised that this is an area of work that needs to be developed.
Stonewall Rainbow Laces Campaign has been an annual campaign that we have taken part in to support raising visibility for LGBTQ+ people in sports and awareness of experiences on and off the pitch.
Blackpool FC Community Trust want to raise awareness, offer opportunities, and support all year round by developing an LGBTQ+ provision.
Thanks to new funding as part of the Active Through Football project, which we refer to as Move More, we have now been able to develop this area of work and create a sustainable plan for new provision. Since attending Summer Pride 2022 and Winter Pride 2023, our team have evaluated consultation from attendees to better understand how we can support the LGBTQ+ community going forward.
In addition, BFCCT staff members attended Allies meetings to speak with more of the LGBTQ+ community. A participant from the Allies group said,
“I would love to get involved in a football session; however, I would not feel brave enough to attend one”.
Based on feedback, several ED&I meetings have taken place to discuss how Blackpool FC and Blackpool FC Community Trust can support the LGBTQ+ community so members feel safe and supported. It has been important to spread the right message of genuine support, hosting provision that people have requested and shown an interest in.
Aligning with the Move More aims and LGBTQ+ community consultation, over the last 12 months we have established a want for more physical activity within the LGBTQ+ community and highlighted a specific interest in football. That being the case, BFCCT are launching their first LGBTQ+ football session which will launch on Monday 19th June 2023, 7pm – 8pm at Aspire Sports Hub, Garstang Road West. The session is designed to be for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, where everyone is welcome regardless of their ability. We hope to see you there.
Seb Draper, Active through Football Manager said,
“We have been developing this area of work for over a year now, so our very first LGBTQ+ session starting later this month is really exciting. We have done several consultation events such as pride events, allies’ meetings and face-to-face consultation with members of the LGBTQ+ community and from this, we have developed the session. We would love to see as many people as possible from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies attend the sessions!”
Working alongside Blackpool FC Supporters Trust, you will also find BFCCT staff members and local people who access our wide variety of activities, walking the Summer Pride 2023 parade. Everyone is welcome to attend, we would love to create a sea of tangerine marching the parade which again highlights that Blackpool FC is an ally. We are walking in the parade from 10am and then hosting a stall at the Winter Gardens with the giant inflatable velcro football dartboard, come along and have a shot to be in with a chance to win a Blackpool FC football shirt.
For more information about this session please email: movemore@bfcct.co.uk or call 01253 348 691.
