Preston North End will join forces with EFL clubs to once again support Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, with specific activation taking place between 23rd November and 1st December.
Football continues to play a key role in making the game accessible, enjoyable and welcoming to all, celebrating lesbian, gay, bi and trans inclusion, along with reinforcing the message that offensive language and abuse is unacceptable. The EFL, Premier League and FA will all be supporting Rainbow Laces through various activities both on and off the pitch.
Continuing from last season, Preston North End have selected this Saturday's Derby Day fixture against Blackburn Rovers as its designated fixture towards the campaign where rainbow corner flags will be present, whilst new for this season’s campaign, clubs will also be sent rainbow stickers for the substitution board.
In addition, the captain’s armband will be worn by North End’s skipper on the day whilst we have selected a number of players to wear the iconic Rainbow Laces in their boots which have become a familiar initiative with the campaign in the last few years.
Over the last two years, the campaign has collectively generated a huge amount of awareness of LGBT in sport, shifting the dial in the attitudes of fans and participants in sport.
Last year alone, 75,313 pairs of Rainbow Laces were distributed in all areas of sport, from the supporters in the stands, to the players, referees and officials out on the pitch, whilst there was also an 8% decrease in 18-35-year-old sports fans thinking that homophobic language is acceptable.
For this year’s campaign, Stonewall is looking to go a step further and is encouraging people from all walks of life to be active allies to LGBT people in sport.
To be an ‘Active Ally’ buy your Rainbow Laces at www.stonewall.org.uk/rainbowlaces now!