Lincolnshire FA proudly submitted its LGBTQ+ Inclusion Project for the 2024 County FA Recognition Award in the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion category.

Building upon the success of initiatives launched in 2022/23, this project addresses key areas of inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals within Lincolnshire’s grassroots football community, informed by data showing that sexual orientation remained the most-reported protected characteristic in local disciplinary cases.

Additionally, annual diversity monitoring revealed a persistent underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals within both the county’s football scene and the Lincolnshire FA staff.

The project aimed to address these disparities by raising awareness of LGBTQ+ identities, educating clubs and players on the importance of recognising and reporting homophobia, and creating inclusive environments in Lincolnshire football. Through targeted LGBTQ+ Inclusion workshops and by expanding its LGBTQ+ Accredited Club Programme, Lincolnshire FA continues to support players, coaches, and volunteers to feel welcomed, respected, and safe within Lincolnshire football.

Data-Informed and Community-Focused Approach

Data insights were key to shaping this initiative. Annual diversity monitoring results highlighted LGBTQ+ underrepresentation, and disciplinary data identified sexual orientation as the most-referenced characteristic in Lincolnshire FA's disciplinary cases—a trend unlike the national pattern where race and ethnicity are most often referenced.

Further insight into underreporting of discrimination and increasing anti-trans rhetoric in football fueled the initiative. Lincolnshire FA leveraged its Inclusion Advisory Group and Voluntary LGBTQ+ Ambassador, engaging with local clubs and community groups to develop and implement a range of initiatives.

Collaborations with accredited LGBTQ+ clubs and partners such as Lincoln United have helped drive these efforts, including Lincolnshire’s first LGBTQ+ football opportunity and workshops addressing homophobia and inclusivity.

Key Actions and Achievements

Lincolnshire FA’s multifaceted approach led to significant milestones:

• Over 50 individuals participated in LGBTQ+ Inclusion workshops in 2023/24, bringing total engagement to over 100 people.
• Six clubs achieved LGBTQ+ Inclusive Club Accreditation, with additional clubs in the accreditation process. This has provided a growing community of supporters and participants for LGBTQ+ events and initiatives.
• The Football v Homophobia Weekend of Action engaged over 12 teams across male, female, disability, and walking football pathways and involved high-profile guest speakers.

Lincolnshire FA’s inclusion efforts earned them the Football v Homophobia County FA of the Year Award for the second consecutive year.

Next Steps and Future Goals

Moving forward, Lincolnshire FA will continue refining its LGBTQ+ Accredited Club Programme with input from individuals with lived experiences. Plans include adapting the LGBTQ+ Inclusion workshops to reach underrepresented audiences, possibly as part of mandatory education for clubs with a history of poor disciplinary records.

Collaborations with Lincolnshire’s professional clubs aim to expand the Football v Homophobia Weekend, and discussions are underway to explore more inclusive formats, including walking football, for LGBTQ+ players. Lincolnshire FA’s approach provides a scalable model for other County FAs, emphasising targeted education, partnerships with large clubs for wider campaign visibility, and creating inclusive playing spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals across grassroots football.

Tom Padden, Football Development Manager (Disability & Inclusion) at Lincolnshire FA, said:"At Lincolnshire FA, we’re committed to ensuring that football is a game where everyone feels they belong. Our LGBTQ+ Inclusion initiatives aren’t just about meeting standards—they’re about creating real, lasting change in our community. By listening, learning, and collaborating with our clubs, players, and local groups, we’re helping to make Lincolnshire football more inclusive and welcoming for all. It’s a privilege to see our work recognised, but even more rewarding to see the positive impact it’s having on the lives of players and supporters alike."

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