Loughborough College has been taking a stand against discrimination in sport as part of Football People action weeks – already the largest series of anti-discrimination activities in sport in Europe and now expanding across the globe into 70 countries.
Its latest Proud to Play event, an awareness-raising LGBT+ workshop for the Men’s Football and Rugby Academies, saw former Loughborough College student and now sport coach Callum Prince offering a personal insight into discrimination issues.
ICM research has revealed that 72% of football fans have heard homophobic abuse on the stands at a match, that 20% of 18-24 year olds would be embarrassed if their favourite player came out and that young people are twice as likely to say anti-LGBT language is harmless if it’s just meant as ‘banter’.
“We want to ensure that all learners feel they can compete in sport at Loughborough College and we will educate others to ensure we create a safe environment to flourish,” said FE Sport programme lead Danny Lee.
Head of Football at Loughborough College, Jay Groocock, added: “We are delighted to support the Proud to Play campaign, it is so important to enable students to speak openly and our focus for this workshop was LGBT+ issues.
“We encourage students and staff to challenge homophobic, biphobic and transphobic language and offer guidance on creating inclusive teams.
‘Loughborough College has a leading reputation for sport and we want it be accessible and inspiring for everyone.”
Loughborough College Academy players plan to wear rainbow laces at two forthcoming away fixtures in support of challenging exclusion in sport.
The Football People action weeks receive support from over 400 professional clubs with all UEFA Europa League, Champions League and Women Champions League matches taking part, reaching millions of fans at stadiums and on television.
Pictured: Former Loughborough College student and sport coach Callum Prince offers a personal insight as part of the College’s Proud to Play workshop