Burton Albion is joining football clubs across the EFL to mark LGBT+ History Month by celebrating the importance of inclusion and representation.
In doing so, the EFL and PUMA are creating a piece of their own LGBT+ history, unveiling the first rainbow ball to be used in Football League matches.
The ball will be used by the Brewers at our home game against Carlisle on Tuesday, February 13.
As part of Burton Albion Community Trust’s support of this initiative Sam Thomas has been leading Rainbow Laces workshops as part of the trust’s Premier League Kicks project at Winshill Neighbourhood Community Centre, to KS3 participants from Abbot Beyne School.
Sam said: “The participants were mature in their responses and gave some thought-provoking answers to the questions I posed. They particularly enjoyed receiving some rainbow laces which they could begin to wear as a symbol of support.
“I have spoken to the participants about their thoughts post workshop. and they seemed to be fully supportive of the initiative and its need for longevity.
“It’s only going to grow ever more apparent that there’s a need to treat people the same regardless of their sexuality. Interacting with the youngsters in an external domain such as Premier League Kicks, aids frank conversation, honesty and integrity on the subject.”
Interim head of community John Widdowson said: “The use of the first rainbow ball at EFL matches is a powerful symbol that football is for everybody.
“At Burton Albion, making the Pirelli Stadium a welcoming place for everyone is at the heart of what we do and the Rainbow Laces workshop shows how young people can be active participants in bringing the community together.”
Article reproduced with kind permission from Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.
