February 7 – Football is for everyone, everywhere. That’s the message the English Football League (EFL) and its official match ball partner, Puma, are sending loud and clear with the return of the Rainbow match ball. Introduced as part of Football v Homophobia’s Month of Action, the vibrant design looks to act a symbol of solidarity and a reminder that discrimination has no place in the game.
From February 6-17, all 72 EFL clubs will use the Rainbow ball in their Championship, League One, and League Two fixtures, reinforcing the league’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. On top of this, each goal scored with the Rainbow ball will once again contribute to funding initiatives that promote diversity and equality in football.
Last season, Puma’s goal-linked donation raised over £16,000 for the LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund, which supported a range of impactful projects. Among them was My Boro, My Shirt, an exhibition celebrating LGBTQ+ representation within Middlesbrough’s fanbase, and the creation of a Pride flag at Chesterfield FC, designed to foster a more inclusive matchday experience.
Charlton Athletic Supporters Trust is set to launch ‘My Valley, My Shirt’ this February, further highlighting the voices of LGBTQ+ fans in the game.
This year, the funds raised will go directly to Football v Homophobia (FvH) to support their ongoing efforts in tackling discrimination across all levels of football.
And it’s not just happening on the pitch. EFL partner EA Sports is also getting involved – the Rainbow match ball is now available to use in EA Sports FC 25.
EFL chief executive officer, Trevor Birch said: “The EFL has an important role to play in ensuring our game is representative of and welcoming to all the communities we represent. The Rainbow ball stands as representation of our work with Clubs throughout the season and is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and we stand proudly together against homophobia.”
Lucynda Davies, Managing Director, PUMA UK&I, said: “Our ongoing partnership with the EFL and our donation for each goal scored with the Rainbow Ball is just one of the ways we are committed to promoting diversity and standing against discrimination in all forms. Together, we can make football a more welcoming and inclusive space for all.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1739282610labto1739282610ofdlr1739282610owedi1739282610sni@g1739282610niwe.1739282610yrrah1739282610