FOOTBALL V HOMOPHOBIA

Field Lane FC is supporting the initiative. FvH is a campaign uniting football in opposing homophobia and prejudice against LGBT+ people in football. Year round, FvH enables people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in football, and to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game. This culminates in an international show of support in February to raise awareness of the issue and to join together in making a visible stand against prejudice and for inclusion. Field Lane FC is pleased to be supporting the campaign this season as part of the FvH grassroots initiative.

Lee Farthing Club Secretary said: "Some language used to target opposition players or make fun of team mates can affect the mental health of LGBT+ people and make them and their friends feel put down. Saying someone is ‘gay’, ‘queer’, a ‘faggot’ (or any other anti-LGBT+ term) just because they do something wrong on a football pitch or are having a bad game is offensive and disrespectful to LGBT+ people, even if it doesn’t target them individually. Using gender as a way to abuse people is also wrong. Saying men are ‘playing like girls’ or ‘like women’ not only offends women and girls, but can also make LGBT+ people feel uncomfortable too. Calling women and girls who are involved in football ‘lesbians’ or ‘men’ as a term of abuse is stereotyping and offensive."   

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Studies on homophobia in sport over the past ten years find that around 82% of respondents have witnessed or experienced homophobia in sport in the UK. Attitudes in Football are changing, but we all need to make sure that the language we use and the way we behave reflects this change. At Field Lane FC we believe we can make a real difference to the culture of football, and we’d like your support. We know that change starts with education and Field Lane FC recognises it has a role to play in leading the way on raising awareness of homophobia and LGBT+ discrimination within the club and its community. Field Lane FC believes in a game where LGBT+ people can be seen and heard, and valued for their contribution to football. Field Lane FC will work to create a safe and inclusive football environment where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions are welcome. Field Lane FC will be designating a game in support of the Football v Homophobia campaign this February. We have chosen our 3 home fixtures on Sunday February 13th . This is an opportunity for our supporters and friends to also get behind the campaign and show everyone that Field Lane FC is no place for hate or bigotry. At our #FvH2022 designated games Field Lane FC will be making a pledge to improve our club by Challenging Language: Club coaches, volunteers, officials, and representatives should know what discriminatory language is and commit to always challenge discriminatory language whenever it is heard. Find out more about the Football v Homophobia campaign and action you can personally take in February, here: www.footballvhomophobia.com Twitter: @FvHTweets | Instagram: FOOTBALL_V_HOMOPHOBIA | Facebook: www.bit.ly/fvhpage