Rainbow Blades & Sheffield United Community Foundation: Inclusive LGBT+ Football Sessions and Supporting Trans People in the Game

After a first successful LGBT+ inclusive football session, last week, Sheffield United Community Foundation and Rainbow Blades talk about the need for, and importance of creating a space for these sessions. Initiatives such as the new inclusive LGBT+ football sessions are helping to break down barriers, ensuring that everyone, can feel welcomed and supported on and off the pitch.

Established as part of the foundation’s Empower LGBT+ programme to creating a safe and welcoming environment for LGBT+ individuals, the sessions aim to create opportunities for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to enjoy football without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

“I’ve not played football in 10 years, as I never found a football group or session where I felt at ease. I’m so happy this has come along. I can once again play the game I love, and have fun” said one participant.

One of the key features of the sessions is the commitment to providing opportunities for all genders, sexualities and abilities, including those from the trans community. The foundation is ensuring that people who may not have felt comfortable participating in established football groups or sessions, now have a safe space to engage. These sessions are designed not only to be fun but also to foster a sense of belonging, community, and mutual respect.

“On a glorious spring evening, we held our first inclusive LGBT+ football session. It was lovely to see a mix of genders and sexualities take part as we look to continue to build this safe space for everyone, that just want to have fun and play football. These sessions are free and accessible to everyone, and that wouldn’t have been possible without the support from Sheffield United Community Foundation” said Rainbow Blades founder, James Laley

While football is becoming more inclusive, transgender people have often found themselves excluded or marginalised. This is where programmes like this ensure that trans people can play, compete, and be celebrated within the football community.

These sessions create a space where individuals can participate on equal terms. The foundation actively works to ensure that trans participants are treated with respect.

"When looking to provide opportunities in Sport and Physical Activity for LGBT+ people, it's so important to ensure that what we are offering is safe, inclusive, and accessible - as James has mentioned, but above all, looking to make sure that we get it right beyond this by spreading important messages of equality and inclusion as well as working with facility providers across the City to get the space right.

Ultimately, we want to use the Sheffield United badge for the power of good and will constantly be striving to provide opportunities, however our community would like to shape them, to ensure we are providing access to everyone.

I am so proud to be able to work with LGBT+ people across the City and support everyone in their goals, however big or small." said SUCF Empower LGBT+ lead, Amy Hood

As well as providing a supportive environment, these sessions also serve as an opportunity for LGBT+ individuals to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. By showing that football is a sport for everyone, these sessions contribute to changing attitudes and promoting inclusivity across the wider football community.

By continuing to promote inclusive sessions, educating players and staff, and participating in the Football v Transphobia campaign, Sheffield United Community Foundation and Rainbow Blades are proving that football can and should be a space where everyone can enjoy the beautiful game.

Open to the LGBT+ community and those outside of the community that want to play football in a fun & safe space. Sign up for free. bit.ly/woodbourninclusive

Football v Transphobia

The FvT campaign aims to end transphobia within football and create a more inclusive environment for trans players, fans, and staff.

The FvT campaign encourages clubs, players, and fans to take a stand against discrimination and raise awareness about the specific challenges faced by trans people.

Initiatives like these are a crucial part of the change. Football v Transphobia week of action takes place from 25th to 31st March 2025, ending on Transgender Day of Visibility

This is the seventh season and specific action is taking place on trans inclusion and transphobia in the game.

Find out more about the campaign. https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/fvt/