Inclusive Chorley Are Doing Their Bit For Diversity Fight

The National League North Magpies are helping power the fight for equality in football and will spread the message this weekend.

Rainbow laces and armbands will be displayed by the club’s players as they look to return to the top of the table.

Chorley manager Jamie Vermiglio said: “At Locking Stumps Community Primary School, we’ve been celebrating diversity throughout the week and have a big group of children in attendance on Saturday.

“They’ll be cheering us throughout the afternoon as we’ll be showing our full support for Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign – raising awareness and visibility of such an important issue.

“As a local club, we remain committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all areas of football.”

Commercial Manager Josh Vosper added: “Our aim is simple – to welcome everyone into our Magpie Family – young, old, disabled and LGBT supporters alike.

“With over 5,000 football players in 2018, professionals sill aren’t confident to openly come out as gay. Statistics also show that seven out of ten fans have heard homophobic abuse at matches. That’s why we a proud to support Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign and welcome all fans to games, irrespective of their sexuality orientation.”

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, while there was also an eight per cent decrease in 18 to 35-year-old sports fans thinking that homophobic language is acceptable.