Swindon Town Football Club has teamed up with Swindon and Wiltshire Pride to promote awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and create a more inclusive environment in football as part of the EFL’s Football v Homophobia Month of Action. The collaboration aims to celebrate diversity and show that football is a sport for all, regardless of background or identity.
The EFL’s Month of Action runs from 6th to 17th February, with clubs across the league using Puma Rainbow Footballs during their Sky Bet EFL fixtures. Swindon Town’s involvement in the campaign has seen members of the first team, including Manager Ian Holloway, Goalkeeper Jack Bycroft, and Kitmen Steve Hooper and Jonah Isaacs, come together in a campaign video alongside Women’s first-team defender Libby Waylen, Academy player George Alston, and Swindon and Wiltshire Pride’s Phoenix Stewart and Andy Midwinter.
Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, which has been supporting the local LGBTQ+ community since 2008, has long played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging in the region. The volunteer-run charity works with schools, local organisations, and even the Swindon Wildcats, promoting diversity and equality through year-round fundraising, the creation of an LGBTQIA+ Support Guide, and their Pride Hub, a safe space offering information and support.
Andy Midwinter, Press Manager for Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, said: “Football clubs have such an important role to play in driving social change. We can’t underestimate how vital this campaign is in creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ players and fans. Seeing the passion from Ian Holloway, the players, and everyone at the club has been fantastic, and together, I’m hopeful we can make football a safe and inclusive space for all.”
The collaboration also highlights the ongoing commitment of both Swindon Town and Swindon and Wiltshire Pride to create a supportive and safe environment, both during the Month of Action and beyond.
“We’re incredibly proud to be supporting this project,” said ED&I Officer Hannah Peterkin. “It’s wonderful that we can champion the LGBTQ+ community this February, and this partnership will continue to foster inclusivity throughout the year.”
Swindon Town’s Media Executive, Callum Knowles, added: “Football is a universal language that brings people together, and as a club, we have a responsibility to ensure that no one feels unwelcome. By working alongside Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, we can create lasting change both within football and in the wider community.”
The EFL’s Football v Homophobia Month of Action is just the beginning, with both Swindon Town and Swindon and Wiltshire Pride determined to keep pushing for change, ensuring football is an inclusive space for all.
