Bolton Wanderers Football Club is proud to be taking part in the EFL’s ‘Not Today or Any Day’ anti-discrimination campaign by supporting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two game against Port Vale at the University of Bolton Stadium.
The focus of this year’s campaign is ensuring a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all whether we’re together, apart, online or on the pitch, as we collectively work to Make Sport Everyone’s Game.
Bolton Wanderers Chairman Sharon Brittan said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately highlighted inequalities across society with a disproportionate impact on marginalised groups including in LGBT communities and across sport.
“Sport and physical activity are vital to life in the United Kingdom as they bring our communities together and, whether we are watching or participating, it enriches our lives and can positively affect our mental health.
“Sport should be a safe haven for LGBT people, but unfortunately many don’t feel welcome.
“Through our work at the club, in partnership with the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, and in particular Beth Warriner, the Trust’s Inclusion Development Officer, we are working diligently to ensure that the club engages with all members of our community and that inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.”
Wanderers Head Coach Ian Evatt added: “It is very sad that people still feel unable to take part in sporting activities or to attend fixtures as fans because of their sexuality. We all have a responsibility to do more to ensure that society is fully inclusive and tolerant. That is why we are supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign.”
Phil Mason, the Head of Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, said: “At Bolton Wanderers we recognise that clubs and communities are stronger when everyone feels welcome. That’s why we’re supporting the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign, by sharing positive news stories about our LGBT+ inclusion work.
“Together we can make sport everyone’s game.”