Newcastle United Foundation proudly supports Rainbow Laces campaign

Newcastle United Foundation is demonstrating ongoing support for LGBTQ+ inclusion by supporting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.

The Rainbow Laces campaign celebrates the impact sport has on LGBTQ+ people and the impact LGBTQ+ people have on sport – promoting equality and diversity for all through organisations like Newcastle United Foundation, sports clubs, and grassroots groups.

The Foundation actively promotes and supports inclusive activities such as Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign. Newcastle United’s game at home to Aston Villa is dedicated to Rainbow Laces, with all Premier League fixtures between 22 and 30 October making campaign support visible at every stadium and club – demonstrating that football is everyone's game.

As part of a long-standing commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, Newcastle United Foundation supports Newcastle Panthers Football Club, the North East’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive football team.

Foundation coaches provide free, weekly training for more than 30 participants at LGBTQ+ friendly sessions hosted on the charity’s rooftop football pitch at its community facility, NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society.

Joel Greenwell, of Newcastle Panthers said: "Our partnership with Newcastle United Foundation has helped the Newcastle Panthers endlessly.

"Whether it’s the expert coaching we’ve received or the recruitment support to attract more members; the Foundation have pushed us from strength to strength.

"Seeing a Premier League football club being so invested in an LGBTQ+ friendly club is incredibly inspiring for us and our members, and we look forward to the partnership continuing into the future."

The Foundation also encourages conversations and understanding among participants to tackle some of the existing stigmas faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Alex Curran, Sport and Wellbeing Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Inclusion starts with education, and we have a very important role in engaging community members across the North East to promote inclusivity.

“Our programmes, which incorporate LGBTQ+ awareness, enables learning around why the Foundation engages with important campaigns such as Rainbow Laces and allows opportunities for self-reflection and a greater understanding of the challenges and stigma faced by the LGBTQ+ community.”

United with Pride – the club’s official LGBTQ+ supporters’ group – this year became official Be A Game Champions with Newcastle United Foundation. Through the Foundation’s mental health awareness campaign, United with Pride members can access advice and signposts to support on mental wellness.

Since Rainbow Laces first kicked off in 2013, over a million people have laced up in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, however figures published by Stonewall show that only 43 per cent of sports fans think live sport events are welcoming for LGBTQ+ fans.

Alex added: "Campaigns like Rainbow Laces are a reminder that there's still a need for further education and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in sport.

"The campaign is promoted at all levels – so even though it's visible at Premier League games – grassroots players, coaches and managers can also visibly support the campaign by wearing rainbow laces at a local level.

"As the campaign suggests, this allows us to 'make sport everyone's game'."

Free training sessions for Newcastle Panthers FC are made possible by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery who support Newcastle United Foundation to provide opportunities to play and enjoy sport through the Postcode Active Trust.

Panthers training is held every Thursday between 7pm and 8pm at NUCASTLE, Diana Street, NE4 6BQ. For more information about the Foundation and programmes near you, follow Newcastle United Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for regular news and updates.

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