Last month we showed our support for the Football v Homophobia Month of Action by supporting and raising awareness of the campaign online and through our member clubs and leagues. 

We also held an informal consultation evening with Berkshire-based LGBTQ+ inclusive football team Rainbow Royals and, internally, the team at Berks & Bucks FA also undertook staff training. 

The dedicated Inclusion training covering the principles and importance of inclusion, along with an LGBTQ+ focussed workshop on creating diverse and inclusive cultures, was delivered by Chris Gibbons of Inside Inclusion.

Chris Gibbons is an inclusion consultant with over 15 years’ experience working in the fields of diversity, equality, inclusion and anti-discrimination. While his clients represent a range of sectors in the UK and globally, much of his experience comes from the sport industry and, in particular, grassroots and professional football.

Chris works with businesses of all sizes to explore and address issues relating to all forms of diversity and discrimination. He has significant expertise in the fields of disability, faith, gender identity and sexual orientation.

Before establishing Inside Inclusion in 2016, Chris worked for RBS, The FA, Stonewall, The National Autistic Society and The Children’s Society.

Following the session at Berks & Bucks FA, Chris Gibbons, Director of Inside Inclusion, said: "I was impressed with the way the team at Berks and Bucks FA really threw themselves into the session – there were lots of great questions and comments about what inclusion really means to the game. 

"There’s clearly a very strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at BBFA, on and off the pitch, and I hope that our discussions will be helpful as BBFA continues to ensure that football really is for all."

Berks & Bucks FA are committed to driving inclusion across the local game. To find out more about Inclusion in Football and the work happening across our region, please visit our dedicated Inclusion section of our website.