The Premier League is currently celebrating Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, as part of a partnership with the lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT+) charity.
A new two-year strategic partnership was announced between the Premier League and Stonewall last week. The league has been partners with the charity since 2017 as it looks to improve inclusivity in the sport.
The partnership will focus on education, LGBT+ acceptance will be encouraged in football programmes for children and young people.
Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign will be in focus across two match weeks from the 4-13 December in the Premier League.
“The Premier League is committed to promoting equality in all we do and we are pleased to extend our relationship with Stonewall through this new strategic partnership,” Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Masters said.
“There is no place for discrimination of any kind in football or wider society.
“Our new partnership focuses on developing the positive LGBT+ inclusion projects we have carried out with Stonewall in recent years.
“A great deal of work has taken place to make football as welcoming as possible, promoting diversity on and off the pitch, and within our clubs’ communities.
“However, we know there is more to do and we look forward to making further progress.”
The campaign has seen Rainbow Laces themed ball plinths, handshake boards and substitute boards – players have been able to show their support through rainbow armbands for captains and rainbow laces.
The Premier League’s digital channels have been changed to feature a rainbow Premier League logo in support of the campaign.
Clubs have also launched initiatives to show their support – ahead of the Tottenham vs Arsenal match yesterday, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was lit up in rainbow colours.
“We’re immensely proud to announce the next phase of our strategic partnership with the Premier League during this year’s Rainbow Laces campaign,” Stonewall’s Chief Executive, Nancy Kelley said.
“The Premier League’s early support was a huge catalyst for driving change across football and sport more widely.”
“We look forward to continue building on our partnership and working ever more closely with the Premier League to create a game where all LGBT+ people are welcome and able to fulfil their potential in football.”
