By David Gold
February 22 – The English Football Association has launched a campaign at Wembley Stadium, “Opening Doors and Joining In”, backed by Prime Minister David Cameron, which aims to tackle homophobia and transphobia.
Key football figures came together to pledge to drive out the prejudices and encourage lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) communities to be involved in the game.
The FA has a six point action plan based on education, visibility, partnership, recognition, reporting and monitoring, which they hope will drive discrimination from the sport.
In attendance were former England defenders Graeme Le Saux and John Scales, as well as representatives from the Premier and Football Leagues, the League Managers Association and Professional Footballers’ Association.
FA General Secretary Alex Horne said: “What today and the action plan is about is ensuring that anyone can participate in our game without fear, regardless of their sexuality.
“If someone is gay, we want them to feel secure if they choose to be open and know they will not be subject to abuse or ridicule.”
Hope Powell, the coach of the England women’s team, said: “I think it’s obviously an issue that’s been long standing.
“The fact that the FA has taken the lead is very positive with their agenda and with what they hope to do with this campaign.
“So I think the whole day went really well.”
FA Director of Football Governance and Regulation Darren Bailey pledged to take strong action to stamp out discrimination, saying: “Homophobic and transphobic abuse is unacceptable and will be punished.
“It has no place in society and no place in football.
“We have the rules, we have the commitment and we have made a promise to change the culture of the game.
“What we need is to know when abuse happens.”
Following the launch of the campaign, Cameron hosted former players, including former England and Liverpool star John Barnes (pictured above with the Prime Minister), campaign groups and authority officials to discuss discrimination in football.
From that meeting it emerged that football clubs have also signed up to the Sports Charter which pledges to tackle homophobia and transphobia, and that the Government has committed £3 million ($4.7 million/€3.5 million) to the FA’s St George’s Park to encourage coaches from all walks of life to reach the pinnacle of the game.
Football authorities have also announced details on a new bursary for black, Asian and ethnic minority coaches.
“As our national game, football has exceptional reach into every community,” said Cameron.
“So much about football reflects what makes us great as a nation, and we all want to keep it that way.
“Football has done a huge amount in recent decades to eradicate the types of racist attitudes and behaviour that sadly often blighted the game.
“But we cannot be complacent.
“We must address problems which could, if left unchecked, threaten to undo much of the hard work that has been done.
“Football must do more to be inclusive, in order that the beautiful game is truly open to all players, managers, coaches and supporters.”
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