Newport County AFC will again be showing our support for the Rainbow Laces campaign at our Sky Bet League Two fixture against Morecambe at Rodney Parade.
This year's campaign will see us celebrate the impact that sport has on LGBT+ people, as well as the impact that LGBT+ people have on sport. The coronavirus pandemic has affected LGBT+ communities profoundly, and it’s affected the sporting world too.
That is why we will be pledging our support to Stonewall's campaign, which takes place from 26 November to 13 December, by using rainbow corner flags at Rodney Parade for our clash against Morecambe. The fourth official's substitution board will also carry the rainbow colours as we join in the campaign to make sport everyone's game.
Over the last four years, the support of sports fans across the UK has helped generate a huge amount of awareness around LGBT+ people in sport. 12 million people in Britain saw the Rainbow Laces campaign in November 2019, including 35 per cent of all sport fans.
More importantly, Rainbow Laces has helped foster positive attitudes towards LGBT+ people in sport and persuaded allies to play their part.
Adam Smith, Pride Cymru Project Engagement Officer, said: "It's great to see Newport County AFC, my home team, supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign by showing support to the LGBT+ community in Newport and beyond.
"It's vital that campaigns like this are supported because support is about inclusion, not exclusion. I'm positive that the LGBT+ community will welcome this and other campaigns that highlight how inclusive County is for everyone.
"We are working to create a LGBT+ supporters group within the club, and you can contact the club on equality@newport-county.co.uk if you identify as LGBT+ and wish to be involved or want more information."
You can visit www.stonewall.org.uk to find out more about the campaign.