LGBTIQ+ representation and visibility in football has never been greater – and with that comes an even greater responsibility to tackle discrimination.

That is the message being sent out by Football v Homophobia, marking its 15th annual Month of Action in February 2024.

Football v Homophobia (FvH) 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 & guidance, and more, to create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for LGBTIQ+ people in football and opportunities to promote engagement of LGBTIQ+ people in football at all levels and in all forms.

The campaign also realises the potential of football in society as a tool to create positive change and this is why, during Football v Homophobia Month of Action we are asking all clubs, leagues and individuals across the football family in Berks & Bucks to get behind the campaign and support LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the game we all love.

Football v Homophobia report that the most recent statistics released by Kick It Out showed reports of discrimination related to sexual orientation were up 58% on the previous year at grassroots level.

To help counter this, FvH has created ‘Allies United’, a ground-breaking new education programme supported by Just Eat that is delivering LGBTIQ+ inclusive training directly to grassroots football clubs or those taking part in the game outside of the professional tiers.
Sign up for 'Allies United' training

In addition to the new training, clubs can use the Month of Action to share a meaningful action, or actions, that will be taken to increase LGBTIQ+ inclusion and to take a stand against LGBTIQ+ phobia. 

Some ways in which your club can get involved in the campaign this month are to:

• Designating a match day to Football v Homophobia in February 2024
• Sharing the matchday event across social media platforms using the hashtag #FvH2024
• Communicating activity to the opposing team on match day
  
  

To support clubs and individuals to back the campaign and take action, FvH have a host of free resources and information packs available that can be downloaded via their website.
Sign up for you free Grassroots Club Campaign Pack

In addition to support for Grassroots Clubs, to support the campaign, there are also helpful resources for Non-League Clubs, Leagues and Fans/Supporters available via the FvH website.
Access FvH Resources


Berks & Bucks FA

As a County FA we are committed to driving inclusion across the sport to ensure that football provides safe and welcoming environments for all to enjoy.

We believe in the power of sport to affect positive change, football in particular, which has a truly unique ability to connect people from all walks of life and change lives through shared passion. As an organisation we strongly believe that football is everyone’s game, and no one should feel excluded from taking part because of who they are.

During the February Month of Action, we'll be supporting and promoting the Football v Homophobia campaign across our communication channels and online using the #FvH2024 to our members.

For more information about Diversity and Inclusion across Berks & Bucks FA, please visit the Inclusion section of our website.