Lincolnshire Football Association has been shortlisted for a Football v Homophobia award in the County FA category for their work to make football more inclusive for LGBTQ+ people in the county.

The County FA Award recognises the important contribution English County FAs make to increasing LGBTQ+ inclusion, as well as addressing LGBTIQ+ phobia within their area. 

The Football v Homophobia campaign exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football. As an international initiative, FvH engages in campaigning, education, advice and guidance, research, policy consultation and capacity building to:

• Make existing football structures safe, welcoming and inclusive for LGBTI people

• Create opportunities and promote engagement of LGBTI people in football at all levels and in all forms

• Improve the representation and visibility of LGBTI people throughout football

• To realise the potential of football in society as a tool to create positive change

Lincolnshire FA recently released statistics on this issue within our region, showing that: 

1. There have been 16 cases in Lincolnshire so far this season of allegations around homophobic abuse. 

2. There have been 4 more reports with allegations of homophobic abuse this season so far than the entirety of the 2021/22 season. 

3. 10% of investigations this season have been into allegations of comments made which references a protected characteristic. 

The nomination recognises the extensive efforts Lincolnshire FA are putting in across the organisation, ranging from their Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG), their LGBTQ+ Club Accreditation Programme, LGBTQ+ Inclusion Workshops, as well as the positive way the discipline team deal with cases of discrimination.

Lincolnshire FA CEO, Nick Hanson, says: “We feel honoured that the County FA has been nominated for this award. We are committed to creating safe and inclusive football environments. Our work in this area is gathering pace and we are both grateful and thankful to the members of our Inclusion Advisory Group for their role in leading our work in this important area”. 

The County FA have also introduced an LGBTQ+ Ambassador, Zack Leader, who has also been shortlisted for an award in the Football v Homophobia Hero category. 

As part of the Football v Homophobia month of action, Lincs FA will be hosting a 6-a-side tournament and Q&A panel discussion at Lincoln City’s LNER Stadium 3G astro on Sunday 19th February.

The winners of the award will be announced on Friday 24th February at the National Football Museum in Manchester.