In conjunction with the Manchester FA, both our men’s and women’s first teams will be taking part in Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign. Aimed at increasing visibility and accessibility to the game for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and other groups such as Asexual, Queer, and Intersex (commonly referred to as LGBTQ+), and for those involved in football to become better allies.

Over the course of the weekend, the men’s first team will be taking on Winsford United (Saturday 24th November, 3pm), and our women’s side will take on Curzon Ashton (Sunday 25th November, 2pm) with both fixtures taking place at Brookburn Road. To show their support, each side will have rainbow laces in their boots – and our pride flags will be flying in the shed end, just as they do most weekends.

We’re proud to be involved with the campaign, and though the changing of laces may only be a small gesture, we still feel that it is important to promote inclusivity at any opportunity. Later in the season, our men’s side will be partnering with the North West Counties on a further game aimed at fighting homophobia and other discrimination in sport – and we are constantly looking at ways in which we can support our local community across all of our sides – if you have any ideas or suggestions, please get in touch.

We’d like to thank the Manchester FA for providing the laces, and for their ongoing support as a partner club.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to Brookburn Road for two crucial fixtures over the course of the weekend – no matter the result, football is and always should be for all.

More on Stonewall (click here):

We’re here to let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, here and abroad, know they’re not alone.

We believe we’re stronger united, so we partner with organisations that help us create real change for the better. We have laid deep foundations across Britain – in some of our greatest institutions – so our communities can continue to find ways to flourish, and individuals can reach their full potential. We’re here to support those who can’t yet be themselves.

But our work is not finished yet. Not until everyone feels free to be who they are, wherever they are.

More on the Rainbow Laces campaign (click here):

The Rainbow Laces campaign is a way for everyone involved in sport to show their support for LGBT equality and inclusivity. National teams, leading clubs, top athletes, fans and grassroots players are lacing up to Come Out For LGBT people in sport. In 2017, the campaign had its most successful year yet, but we plan to make it even better in 2018.

Statistics from 2017:
8% decrease in 18-24 year old and 25-34 year old sport fans thinking that homophobic language is acceptable.

75,313 pairs of Rainbow Laces were distributed in all areas of sport, fans, players, referees and officials.

12 million adults in Britain saw the campaign.