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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

MCFC Ladies keeper signs for JBG? as elite LGBT role model.


MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                                                                            









JUST A BALL GAME? ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE NEW SIGNING TO THEIR PATRONS.

It’s something I have close to my heart, something I have thought about for a while, now, it’s a big step to take. I’m not sure if others will follow the same path, but, I hope that I can inspire young people and show that being a lesbian and playing at the top level in women’s football is not detriment to the career path you can carve out for yourself. When you think about it around three quarters of women who play the game identify as being LGBT.”

These words have been spoken by Manchester City Ladies FC goalkeeper Andie Worrall who will become Just A Ball Game?’s first LGBT elite football role model.

“Andie will take on an ambassador role for our campaign work after making this brave decision as she enters the final few years of her footballing  exploits and we are extremely proud to have her on board.” Says JBG? founder- Lindsay England.

Andie’s football career started as a youngster at Tameside MBC, she has also pulled on the number 1 jersey for Stockport girls/ladies and then County, Everton, Liverpool (2stints) Leeds, and is currently in her third spell with MCLFC.

As a 21 year old Andie was invited to be part of an England Ladies training camp, but a lack of confidence in her own ability in an experienced England squad saw her instead accept a call from Wales (she qualifies through grand-parents) where she earned 6 International Caps. The final time between the sticks was a proud moment as Captain.

Re-joining MCLFC only 3 months ago due to an injury within the team now sees Andie back with the club she loves and supports. Alongside of this she now has found time to sign up with JBG? where she hopes to inspire others who have a passion for playing the game, and that there is now a growing support network out there for others to take the opportunity to follow their own aspirations.

Worrall says: “For me growing up and not seeing any lesbian representation in the sport I love was hard for me, so I am hoping to become that person a younger generation can look up too. Knowing if they work hard at their game and also choose to be brave enough to be open about their sexuality they can achieve so much more with that network of support.”

Clarke Carlisle Chairman of the PFA  added: "I am absolutely delighted to see such a wonderful ambassador for the Women's game come on board with JBG? Andrea (Andie) is a highly commended and respected player. Her distinguished career is a shining example to all of what can be achieved on the pitch. Her presence in this initiative will hopefully help show what can be achieved off the pitch too."

Manchester City had this comment to add also.

“Manchester City FC are committed to promoting equality of opportunity, diversity and respect across all its activities. The Club support Manchester City Ladies in all they do to raise the profile of women’s sport and encourage participation for all.”










Contact for further information:

Founder -Lindsay England




 

Monday, March 25, 2013

from AFC R&D website

AFC Rushden & Diamonds Ladies have been featured in the BBC School Report 2013 initiative. Several team members accompanied team manager Leanne Mayes to The Latimer Arts College where they were interviewed by a year 8 student to discuss their ongoing commitment to the Just A Ball Game? initiative – a campaign that is being supported throughout the club at AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
That commitment has led to an agreement with the AFC R&D Ladies to carry the Just A Ball Game? logo on their shirts next season (details here), and this was reported during the interview, as well as how two of the Ladies team, Claire Stancliffe and April Malin are in contention for places in the Great Britain Deaf Women’s squad at the forthcoming 22nd Summer Deaflympics, and how they are currently fundraising (see links here and here) to help them with their expenses for the tournament in Sofia in July / August 2013.
The AFC R&D Ladies Team’s decision to link-up with JBG? breaks new and exciting ground, since this unique partnership / initiative between JBG? and the club amounts to it being the first football club in the world to incorporate an anti-homophobia campaign organisation in such a high profile visual way.
For this season the Ladies have carried the Niamh’s Next Step logo on their shirts, and they now face their two most important games in their season, with the NWFL Plate Semi-final on Sunday afternoon at the Dog & Duck (preview here), and then their final league game on Sunday April 21st knowing that a victory in that game will guarantee the NWFL Division 2 League title.
This was the seventh annual BBC School Report News day – when over 1000 schools prepare news reports on a nominated day, and upload them to their school website, with links from the BBC School Report Website. You can see The Latimer Arts College School Report Video here.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

media release from JUST A BALL GAME? 11/03/2013


 JUST A BALL GAME?                      MEDIA RELEASE- For immediate release.                                       







 LGBT CAMPAIGN GROUP LOGO ON AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS LADIES TEAM KIT!!
                     


 Just a Ball Game? (JBG?) organisation is delighted to announce that AFC Rushden & Diamonds Ladies Team have enthusiastically decided to incorporate the JBG? logo on the front of their shirts, in a guest kit sponsorship arrangement for next season (2013-14). 

Just a Ball Game? is a not for profit voluntary community organisation, that enjoys a national and proven reputation for providing successful work in tackling homophobia and supportive awareness raising of the related importance of LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans] inclusion in football.  The AFC R&D Ladies Team’s decision breaks new and exciting ground since this unique partnership/initiative for JBG? with the football club amounts to being the first football club in the world to incorporate an anti-homophobia campaign organisation in such a high profile visual way.

JBG? Founder, Lindsay England notes: "The direct visibility aspect of this promotion will send out a very clear and inspirational message of encouragement to other football clubs, that they too can engage in a similar way to tackle the unacceptable problem of homophobia in the sport, and that, for anyone who identifies as LGBT, the club is inclusive of ALL communities and a welcome and safe environment to enjoy football in."


Patron of JBG? Iain Scott says,"Major strides are being made every week it seems,to eradicate Racism and Homophobia from the game. The decision taken by AFC R&D Ladies to incorporate the JBG? logo on the front of their shirts,is yet another positive step in this quest."








11/03/2013


Contact for further information:

Founder -Lindsay England

  :

             

Saturday, March 09, 2013

from GAY UK NEWS website

The “TIME FOR CHANGE-NOW!” exhibition has been showcased in Scotland for the first time last week as part of LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2013.
Homophobia is endemic in all sports at both elite and grass roots level, and effects the lives of both LGBT people young and old, as well as heterosexuals, and can also impact on performance levels of individuals or teams.
Challenging and overcoming stereotyping in sport is key to tackling homophobia. Sports persons and fans who are heterosexual but inclusive minded of LGBT’s will interrelate harmoniously  and help to build on a much needed LGBT/Hetrosexual alliance, within the industry and in society in general.
The day was hosted by Borders College and delivered by Just a Ball Game? in partnership with the Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum. Many of the college’s tutors and students visited the exhibition panels and collected information from the stall and spent time chatting to the Just A Ball Game? volunteers at the event.
Although they were invited but unable to attend the day, Shona Robison MSP, Minister for the Commonwealth Games and Sport sent a letter with, “Best wishes for a successful event.” And John Lamont MSP, who was also required in Parliament on the day expressed, “I would very much like to support this event.”
The Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum chair, Susan Hart stated, “The Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum was delighted to be given the opportunity to work in partnership with Just a Ball Game? and Borders College in the showing of the Time for Change-Now! Exhibition.
This interesting and enlightening exhibition which highlights the issues faced by LGBT people in sport was very well received by students and staff alike.
The day was extremely positive and the Forum looks forward to future partnership working with the organisations involved.”

media release “TIME FOR CHANGE-NOW!” exhibition at Borders College


JUST A BALL GAME?                      MEDIA RELEASE- For immediate release.                                       



© 2011.



 

   “TIME FOR CHANGE-NOW!” exhibition at Borders College.

 

         

 

The JUST A BALL GAME? “TIME FOR CHANGE-NOW!” exhibition was showcased in Scotland for the first time last week as part of LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2013.

Homophobia is endemic in ALL sports at both elite and grass roots level, and effects the lives of both LGBT people young and old, as well as heterosexuals, and can also impact on performance levels of individuals or teams.

Challenging and overcomming sterotyping in sport is key to tackling homophobia.Sports persons and fans who are hetrosexual but inclusive minded of LGBT’s will interrelate harmoniuously  and help to build on a much needed LGBT/Hetrosexual alliance, within the industry and in society in general.

 

The day was hosted by Borders College and delivered by Just a Ball Game? in partnership with the Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum. Many of the college’s tutors and students visited the exhibition panels and collected information from the stall and spent time chatting to the JBG? volunteers at the event.

 

Although they were invited but unable to attend the day, Shona Robison MSP, Minister for the Commonwealth Games and Sport sent a letter with, “Best wishes for a successful event.” And John Lamont MSP, who was also required in Parliament on the day expressed, “I would very much like to support this event.”

The Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum chair, Susan Hart stated, “The Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum was delighted to be given the opportunity to work in partnership with Just a Ball Game? and Borders College in the showing of the Time for Change-Now! Exhibition.

This interesting and enlightening exhibition which highlights the issues faced by LGBT people in sport was very well received by students and staff alike.

The day was extremely positive and the Forum looks forward to future partnership working with the organisations involved.”



Contact for further information:

Founder -Lindsay England

 

Info.justaballgame@gmail.com
  © 2011.

media release FARE ASKED TO CHALLENGE UEFA TO ACT ON HOMOPHOBIA.


 JUST A BALL GAME?                      MEDIA RELEASE- For immediate release.                                       



© 2011.



              

FARE ASKED TO CHALLENGE UEFA TO ACT ON HOMOPHOBIA. 

 

 

As a member of FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) the UK based, LGBT voluntary  group JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) calls on the anti-racism organisation to take a stand against UEFA and demand answers from them as to why they have been reluctant in the past 12 months to even begin an investigation around the gay slur comments of “ y esos maricones” (those faggotts) which Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho made to a referee prior to his team’s Champions League match in Moscow in February last year.

 

The European football  competition organisers UEFA have (and quite rightly so) taken action immediately on a number of occasions in recent years around any allegations of Racism, but unfortunately they have refused to act at all around a high profile manager who was clearly caught on camera using homophobic language.

 

JBG? are aware that both FARE and LGBT sports organisation EGLSF (European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation) are working in partnership at times with UEFA, in the case of FARE they have received “considerable financial support in recent years” from UEFA, and both groups are “partners of the UEFA football and social responsibility portfolio, an action party funded by the European Commission (DG Justice)” and there may be a reluctance for both to shy away from putting any pressure on UEFA, but we believe that as 2 of the big players in sports fight against discrimination FARE and EGLSF need to apply pressure those in authority at UEFA.

 Remind them of their own 5-point action plan against homophobia which formed pages of the UEFA  2006 Guide for Clubs, produced as part of the 2nd Unite Against Racism Conference in Barcelona, and of their obligation to an LGBT community, also that UEFA have a duty to take any form of homophobia seriously.

Founder of JBG?- Lindsay England, stated, ” I was extremely disappointed that when the comments from Mr Mourinho were given out no investigation was ever made by UEFA, likewise FARE were not seen to take any action or question UEFA  about the situation which a is particularly sad silence from all.“

UEFA were contacted by JBG? and French counter parts Paris Foot Gay who wrote an open letter to UEFA, but rather than inform of any procedure they may follow UEFA replied, “ We have priorities and this is not one.”

 

 



Contact for further information:

Founder -Lindsay England


info.justaballgame@gmail.com

  :

              © 2011.

media release A university sports faculty anti-discrimination survey-based initiative


 

JUST A BALL GAME?                      MEDIA RELEASE- For immediate release.                                       



© 2011.



    A university sports faculty anti-discrimination survey-based initiative

 

 

The campaign organisation Just a Ball Game? is pleased to be directly supporting a UK university initiative to promote effective change in combatting homophobia and related LGBT discrimination in sport. JBG? asks all national, regional and local level LGBT equality and inclusivity in sport campaigning and sports organisations (including football, rugby, athletics clubs that have inclusive anti-discrimination values and equality and diversity policies and programmes) to support this important initiative. 

 

The Bournemouth University Sports Faculty survey and project is an outcome of partnership with the Olympics legacy ‘Time for Change – Now!’ anti-homophobia in sport exhibition organisation -- Website: www.timeforchange-now.co.uk

 

The research project findings will contribute to the creation of a guidelines paper in which current gaps and effective engagement issues in tackling homophobia in sport and making sport more inclusive for LGBT’s, will be identified.  The paper will be principally intended for the use of the UK sports industry, amateur and professional sports clubs, and school PE/sports teachers. 

 

 

 

 

To participate in the survey please use the following links to the online questionnaires:

Club Questionnaire: http://goo.gl/YqM88 

 

and School questionnaire: http://goo.gl/blHmj  

 

 Please respond before 18th February: a summary report of the research findings will be made public on 15th April. 

 



Contact for further information:

Founder -Lindsay England


info.justaballgame@gmail.com

  :

              © 2011.

TIME FOR CHANGE-NOW! exhibition,official launch for LGBT History Month 2013.


                                





©2011.





JUST A BALL GAME?                     MEDIA RELEASE- For immediate release.

 

TIME FOR CHANGE-NOW! exhibition,official launch for LGBT History Month 2013.

 

To kick off Just a Ball Games?’s support of LGBT History Month 2013 the ‘TIME FOR CHANGE–NOW! exhibition was officially launched at the National Football Museum on 4th Feb 2013. The museum had hosted the exhibition for 3 days and the event was supported by Manchester FA’s CEO Colin Bridgford and social inclusion officer John Hurst.

Over 2000 visitors had seen the exhibition many whom had spoken to JBG’s committee members who staffed a small stall for the weekend.

Attending the launch along with Patron of JBG? and local businessman Iain Scott, were the PFA’s John Hudson, LMA’s Frank Clark, staff of the National Football Museum, a contingent of several Hyde FC representatives including Chairman Tahir Khan, Fulcrum Sports Therapy’s Trevor Burchick MBE, Paul Amann of Liverpool FC LGBT Supporters Club, and other members of the LGBT community.

The exhibition is now being made available for hire as a mobile exhibition to anyone who wishes to make use of the panels and educational packs which accompany them.

Pictures from the event can be found here: https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=7e9b6a1161b0fcf5&id=7E9B6A1161B0FCF5%21218&Bsrc=SkyMail&Bpub=SDX.SkyDrive&sc=Photos&authkey=!AKjqLU2asHH898E

With thanks to photographer Paul Prole.

 

 





Contact for further information:

Founder -Lindsay England


info.justaballgame@gmail.com

  :

              © 2011.

from Manchester Evening News website

Manchester FA recognised for battling prejudice


Manchester FA's work to break down barriers that people may face during their involvement in football has been recognised.
Recognition: Manchester FA
Recognition: Manchester FA

Manchester FA has been recognised for its work in fighting prejudice in soccer.
Set to be acknowledged at the FA Full Council in April, MCFA’s latest achievement in gaining the Equality Standard Preliminary Level represents the county’s commitment to breaking down the barriers that any individual may face to their involvement in football.
Kelly Simmons, head of the national game, has lauded MCFA’s achievement and hailed it as a flagship county in the area of social inclusion.
“I congratulate Manchester FA on achieving the Preliminary Level of the Equality Standard for Sport with flying colours,” she said.
“I personally recognise their excellent work in the field of equality and diversity.
“Manchester FA is certainly leading the way, and their achievement is a beacon of good practice in this area, which should encourage other CFAs to follow.”
In keeping with Manchester’s FA’s dedication to social inclusion of all types, chief executive Colin Bridgford and social inclusion officer John Hurst attended a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) awareness-raising event at the National Football Museum earlier this week.
Entitled “Time for Change – NOW!” Manchester FA was proud to support the anti-homophobia exhibition (above) – especially at a time when the rights of the LGBT community are so high on the political agenda.
Hurst – whose commitment to developing social inclusion is largely to thank for the Manchester FA’s recent recognition – emphasised how achieving the Preliminary Level will only be regarded as a success if the County FA continues to support events such as Tuesday’s.
“Achieving the Preliminary Level really demonstrates how far Manchester FA has come as a leading County FA.
“Through its continued commitment and dedicated work around equality issues in Manchester we hope to create a feeling of true inclusion across all forms of football in this county. As a forward-thinking County FA the work to maintain the Preliminary Level starts now.”

from KICK IT OUT website

(UK) Hyde FC back LGB&T History Month

Monday 4 Feb 2013

Blue Square Bet Premier side Hyde FC have issued a statement to show their support for this year’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) History Month.

The statement reads: “Hyde FC were the first senior sports organisation to sign up for Just a Ball Game? (JBG?), the anti-homophobia campaign, and to showcase the 'Time For Change-Now!' exhibition as part of the 'Think Before You Chant!' campaign, amongst numerous events held in conjunction with JBG?”

Hyde have been championing diversity and equality around LGB&T issues and raising awareness to challenge homophobia in the game for the past 18 months since teaming up with JBG? on a number of initiatives.

The club also attended a reception hosted by JBG? at the National Football Museum yesterday (4 February) to officially launch the temporary exhibition ‘TIME FOR CHANGE - NOW!’.

From Hyde FC


 

 

FROM HYDE FC website HYDE FC support LGBT history month

Just a ball game?

 

Hyde have become the first UK football club to support this years LGBT History month!


BALL-GAME-FRONT-sample header flyer

“Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
Hyde FC was the first senior sports organisation to sign up for Just a Ball Game? (JBG?), the anti-homophobia campaign and to showcase the Time For Change-Now! exhibition as part of the Think Before You Chant! campaign, amongst numerous events held in conjunction with JBG?”
Hyde have been championing diversity and equality around LGBT issues and raising awareness to challenge homophobia in the game for the past 18 months since teaming up with campaigns organisation JUST A BALL GAME for a number initiatives. The club will also be attending a reception hosted by Just a Ball Game? at the National Football Museum on Monday 4th Feb 2013 to officially launch the temporary exhibition ‘TIME FOR CHANGE-NOW!’ and all football supporters are welcome to attend in the museum’s regular opening hours.