Scunthorpe Referees Association have become the first RA to complete and achieve Lincolnshire FA's LGBTQ+ Inclusive Club Accreditation Programme, as well as being the seventh organisation in Lincolnshire to complete the programme.

They were awarded their certification of completion on Wednesday 5th September 2024 at Heslem Park, Scunthorpe. They received their Accreditation certificate from Zack Leader (LGBTQ+ Ambassador).

The Lincolnshire Football Association’s LGBTQ+ accreditation framework is for clubs in Lincolnshire to demonstrate the steps they are making to be an inclusive environment for those that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ Community.

The Lincolnshire FA Vision (One Lincolnshire Community, United and Inspired by the Power of Football) is built on the foundations of unity, inclusivity, and acceptance. Our goal is for all football in the county and beyond to be an environment where every player, coach, referee, spectator, or volunteer can enjoy the game and feel comfortable in being themselves, without fear of discrimination.

An inclusive club is one where all members can be their true selves without fear of discrimination or judgement, and instead feel welcomed and valued. A truly inclusive club will see an increase in both enjoyment and performance.

Jonathan Walker, LGBTQ+ Ambassador for Scunthorpe RA, said: "This is a massive achievement by Scunthorpe RA being the first Referee’s Association in the county to become LGBTQ+ accredited. This is all down to the positive and hard work of the members making football inclusive for everyone. 

We pride ourselves on being welcoming to everyone, from all backgrounds, making refereeing in the Scunthorpe area more positive and accessible. 

We hope that this achievement will encourage other referee associations to join the accreditation and make football in Lincolnshire more inclusive."

Tom Padden, Football Development Manager (Disability & Inclusion), said: "Scunthorpe RA encapsulates everything it means to be a truly inclusive organisation. Becoming our most recent Lincolnshire FA LGBTQ+ Accredited Club is just their latest step in everything they do to make football a safer, more welcoming, and more inclusive space for everyone – including those that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.”

For more information on our LGBTQ+ Accreditation Programme, and how your club can begin the process, click here 

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