The Rainbow Laces campaign, organised by Stonewall, celebrates its 11th year in 2024, aiming to make sports safe and inclusive for everyone, regardless of identity.

From November 16th to December 4th, Lincolnshire FA is proud to join Stonewall and supporters across the sports world in promoting the importance of inclusivity through Rainbow Laces. Since its inception, over one million people have laced up to signal that sport is truly everyone’s game.

Lincolnshire FA is pleased to offer a limited allocation of Rainbow Laces to local clubs supporting the 2024 campaign. Clubs interested in receiving Rainbow Laces can express interest using the form linked below. However, please note that quantities are extremely limited, so we may not be able to fulfill all requests. Clubs accredited as Lincolnshire FA LGBTQ+ Inclusive will be given priority in this distribution.

Request your Free Rainbow Laces here

To ensure that the laces are effectively used to promote inclusion, we ask that clubs requesting Rainbow Laces commit to using them visibly on matchdays and on social media, tagging Lincolnshire FA and using the hashtag #RainbowLaces.

Rainbow Laces will be available for pick-up from the Lincolnshire FA Office at Deepdale Enterprise Park, Deepdale Lane, Nettleham, Lincoln, LN2 2LL, by Friday, November 22nd, 2024. While we will try to accommodate requests for laces by post, we cannot guarantee that postal deliveries will arrive before the campaign start.

Rainbow Laces sends a powerful message: sport should be a place where all LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe and welcome, whether as participants or spectators. Unfortunately, Stonewall’s recent survey found that 22% of LGBTQ+ people still feel unwelcome in sports environments, a reminder that there’s more work to be done. Through this campaign, Stonewall calls on athletes, clubs, workplaces, and fans to step up and show their commitment to inclusion.

Why Rainbow Laces Matter

Lacing up in rainbow is about showing that your club or organisation is a safe space. Whether it’s worn on the pitch, in the stands, or shared on social media, Rainbow Laces serve as a visible stand for equality. This year’s theme, Lace Up and Make Sport Safer for All, underscores the importance of making sport an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination.

How You Can Join the Movement

• Lace Up: Order Rainbow Laces, tie them on, and encourage your team or fans to do the same.
  
  
• Share Your Support: Post a photo of your Rainbow Laces with #RainbowLaces and tag @stonewalluk.
  
  
• Create Inclusive Spaces: Start conversations, share posts, or even incorporate rainbow-themed elements at games.
  
  
• Fundraise: Offer a donation option at matchdays or add a QR code for donations in your program.

Rainbow Laces and TeamPride Support

Supported by TeamPride, a coalition of brands like Barclays, Sky Sports, and the Premier League, the Rainbow Laces campaign enjoys backing from elite leagues, including the Barclays Women’s Super League. Clubs, workplaces, and fans of all levels are encouraged to show their solidarity by lacing up and creating inclusive, welcoming environments in sports.

Let’s lace up, Lincolnshire, and keep building a sports community that’s open and safe for all!

"As we mark another year of the Rainbow Laces campaign, we're reminded of the importance of making our local clubs safe and welcoming spaces for everyone," said Lincolnshire FA’s Football Development Manager (Disability & Inclusion), Tom Padden. "Inclusion is essential to the future of football. By lacing up, we’re showing our community that we’re committed to ensuring everyone feels they belong, both on and off the pitch.”

To find out more about inclusion in Lincolnshire football, click here.

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