Gillingham FC is proud to show its support towards Football versus Homophobia
Kent FA is delighted to reveal Gillingham FC will be the next Kent football club to be presented with the organisation’s Equality Charter at their FvH game against Sheffield United this Saturday.The club proudly supports FvH and is dedicating this weekend’s game to joining the international initiative opposing homophobia in football at all levels – from grassroots to professional clubs.
Kent FA will be joining forces with The Gills and FvH to take a clear stand against homophobia so everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and ensure football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Gillingham FC’s players showed their support after training at Beeching Cross alongside members of the club’s women’s team. They will continue to raise awareness and combine with fans at their game on Saturday.
Besides this game of action, the club’s commitment to tackling inequalities is demonstrated through the various schemes run by the Gillingham FC Community Trust.
Gillingham FC leads the way in providing football provision for girls from Under 9s up to their two senior teams whilst running a Girls Academy and leading football sessions and competitions tailored for girls and women with their Female Football Development work.
To help encourage more girls to play football the club also hosts free Girls Only Soccer Schools during school holidays.
The club also runs three youth disability teams, the GFC SENtaurs, with players ranging from Under 11s to Under 16s and as part of their commitment to the Kent FA’s Equality Charter, the club will welcome FvH back to the club next month to run a workshop with our Girls Academy.
This month the club are also attending a number of schools in the local community to deliver assemblies that aim to raise awareness of the Respect campaign and Kick It Out in preparation for their Kick It Out Match of Action in March.
In acknowledgement of the club’s efforts to use football as a platform to support equal opportunity, Kent FA’s Equality Advisory Group vice-chair, Brian Silk, will present the club with the Equality Charter before kick off in their League One game.
Officially endorsed by The FA, Just A Ball Game, Stonewall, Kick It Out, The Football Supporter’s Federation, FvH, GFSN, Gendered Intelligence, Transexuals in Sport, stophomophobia.com; the Kent FA’s Equality Charter is a stamp mark to acknowledge leading Kent’s clubs commitment to positively tackling discrimination and prejudice within the game.
Louise Englefield, Director of Football v Homophobia, tackling discrimination and prejudice within the game, praised The Gills and Kent FA for their work together.
“We are really grateful to the support that Gillingham has shown the campaign over the years. It's fantastic to see support from both the men's and women's teams and we are looking forward to working with their Academy again next month."
Natalie Curtis, Kent FA Football Development Officer, congratulated the club on their outstanding work and was pleased to see the Football League outfit leading by example by hosting a FvH game.
“I am delighted Kent FA will be able to team up with Gillingham FC and FvH this weekend. We work very closely with the club’s Community Trust and know just how much they do for the local community.
Their work across the county is credit to them and it is with real delight we are able to acknowledge their hard work and confirm their commitment to leading the way in future.”
Ian Cox, Gillingham FC Equality and Diversity Officer, added: “On behalf of Gillingham FC am pleased to support the FvH initiative in opposing Homophobia at all levels, whilst also delighted in signing up to the Kent FAs Equality Charter.
"Gillingham FC has continually shown a commitment into raising awareness and education in welcoming diversity in to the beautiful game.”
Equality Advisory Group Vice-Chair, Brian Silk added: “By signing Kent FA’s Charter and making a commitment to tackling discrimination, Gillingham FC is showing that it is welcoming to all. I wish Gillingham FC continuing success in making football for everyone.”
If you’d like to know more about the Kent FA’s Equality Charter please email natalie.curtis@kentfa.com or call 01622 792140
Check out more about Gillingham FC Community Trust’s work by clicking here.
To show your support to FvH please click here.