The Scottish FA and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) are uniting to dedicate the upcoming Scotland v Cymru match at the Pinatar Cup tournament to the pivotal Football v Homophobia campaign.
February marks the Football v Homophobia (FvH) Month of Action, which unites football in opposing homophobia and prejudice against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) people, whilst welcoming and celebrating diversity across the game.
By leveraging the platform of their upcoming match in support of the FvH Month of Action, the Scottish FA and FAW aim to increase visibility of this vital campaign, encouraging conversation on the importance of supporting the LGBTI+ community and highlighting the challenges and barriers that still exist across the game.
Munro Stevenson, Participation and Engagement Manager, LEAP Sports Scotland said: “At FvH Scotland, we are excited that the first ever FvH international dedicated match will be Scotland vs Cymru.
“This historic landmark demonstrates the hard work put in by the Scottish FA, FAW and our partners at FvH Cymru, ensuring that homophobia has no place in Scottish or Welsh football. Representation and allyship at an elite level is often seen by
the LGBTI+ football community as the most impactful way to make meaningful change in our sport.
“We are extremely proud to see this enacted by the Scotland Women’s National Team. We know the players are passionate about this issue, and their participation in raising awareness during the Month of Action is greatly appreciated.”
Lou Englefield, FvH Cymru Campaign Director, said: “The Cymru Women’s Team have been long standing supporters of LGBTI+ inclusion and of Football v Homophobia.
“Their leadership in this space can make such a difference as the Women’s game grows in Wales. We’re delighted to have this show of support during the February month of action.”
Robin Drummond, Scottish FA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion manager said: “The Scottish FA is united in our campaign to ensure that football is for all.
“Together, with our partners at LEAP Sport, we are committed to ensuring there is a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in our national game, as well as equitable access for the LGBTI+ community.
“We’re extremely proud to have our women’s national team take part in the Football v Homophobia campaign. Alongside our friends at the FAW, we hope this match will put a spotlight on the campaign at the highest level.”
Carys Ingram, FAW Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Integrity Executive said: “We are delighted to be working alongside FvH Cymru, FvH Scotland and the Scottish FA to come together in a joint message of inclusion during the Football v Homophobia month of action.
“It’s incredibly important that we continue to create opportunity, visibility, awareness and conversation around the barriers and challenges our LGBTI+ community face in football and how we move towards a better future where there are not only opportunities provided, but the LGBTI+ community can also feel a sense of belonging in these environments.”
You can learn more about the Football v Homophobia campaign and actions which you can personally take in February at: www.footballvhomophobia.com
