February sees the LGBT month of action come to Kent. 

It has become an international initiative opposing homophobia in football at all levels – from grassroots to professional clubs.

Kent FA want football to take a clear stand against homophobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and that football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on gender identity and sexual orientation. By working together across football, we can make a difference.

All year round numerous organisations enables people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity in football, and to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game. This culminates in an international show of support in February to raise awareness of the issue and to showcase new and existing work. 

This February Kent FA will continue its support of the month which manages to generate global attention. In the UK there has been a massive show of support and a majority of professional clubs took action in February last year. Kent FA will continue to support Equality in football and help break down barriers to allow all members of the Kent community to access a format of football suitable to them.

Natalie Curtis, Kent FA Football Development Officer, explained what the Kent FA Equality Charter is all about and how it links to the different organisation’s work around raising awareness.

“Kent FA has been a firm supporter and believer of the work supporting the LGBT community and last year a whole host of clubs from across Kent, the professional and grass roots game, helped us show what a committed county we are to equality and ensuring the game is accessible to all through the rainbow laces campaign.  The County FA ordered over 1000 pairs of laces and there were numerous clubs and leagues that ordered their own laces to be a part of the initiative.”

“We’ve seen so many clubs, teams, players, groups and individuals actively promote ways to make the game fairer for everyone, therefore we wanted to create something unique and original to acknowledge and reward their efforts whilst inspiring the rest of the football community in Kent to follow suit.”

“The Kent FA Equality Standard is our formal recognition and agreement with Kent clubs who positively tackle discrimination and inequalities in football 365 days a year. It’s our way of congratulating them for all they do but also our method of raising standards and forming commitments to continue this in the future.”

“The fact the charter has been recognised and endorsed by so many organisations whose principles align with our own – including FvH, Kick It Out, Stonewall but to name a few – adds authenticity and validity to the charter itself. I look forward to seeing how the month progresses and enjoying a great month alongside our clubs raising awareness and showcasing our best practice.”

If you’d like to know more about the Kent FA’s Equality Charter please email natalie.curtis@kentfa.com or call 01622 792140