Football v Homophobia – 2013 Small Grants Scheme

Campaign Director, Megan Worthing Davies explains:

“Football v Homophobia is an international campaign opposing homophobia and transphobia in football. We have chosen LGBT History Month as the time in which football can unite and focus on making the biggest game in the world more inclusive of the LGBT community”

The Small Grants Scheme is funded by FARE, the anti-discrimination network for football in Europe. Executive Director of FARE, Piara Powar outlines their commitment to tackling homophobia:

“For FARE tackling discrimination is not a competitive process but one that needs to reflect the experiences of all communities seeking equality and inclusion. We believe in the intersectionality of our struggles, the necessity of learning from different movements and moving forward as one. The message of the FvH campaign is a compelling, we are proud to be partners.”

Grants of €300 were available to football clubs and community groups and the Football v Homophobia team were overwhelmed by the response. Almost forty applications were received for ten available grants, and allocations were made for actions in Mexico, Russia, Montenegro, Germany, Spain and the UK. Projects that will be undertaken over the next month include football tournaments and matches against homophobia, debates amongst young fans groups and a poster campaign tackling transphobia in sport. Further activities still will be posted on the Football v Homophobia February events calendar www.footballvhomophobia.com/events

“The coverage given to homophobia in football can focus on whether a gay player is likely to “come out”. People forget that this is a symptom of a much bigger picture of exclusion. We all have a responsibility to make football a place where people can be open about who they are, whether they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. The community actions we have funded show how we can make a difference from the grassroots of the game”

Explains Football v Homophobia Campaign Director Lou Englefield.

For more information about which clubs received funding and their proposed actions, visit www.footballvhomophobia.com/smallgrants/