Media release - JUST A BALL GAME? SEMINAR, #STRONGERTOGETHER

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

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         JUST A BALL GAME? SEMINAR,  #STRONGERTOGETHER



On the eve of our eighth birthday, JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) proudly announce their first ever seminar #STRONGERTOGETHER  which will be hosted by The Football Association (FA) at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday 5^th February 2019.

The event is supported by GMB Trade Union, The Professional Footballers’ Association, UCFB, KIO and others, and will see a day of interactive workshops, networking, guest panel speakers from football clubs, fan groups, players, referees, coaches, education establishments, the police, media, and other sports organisations coming together to showcase the great partnership work done in collaboration with JBG? 

Further details on this free, event will be released shortly. Tickets will be booked via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strongertogether-tickets-52180212420

Confirmed speakers to include referee Lucy Clark, football coach Luke Tuffs, FA Youth Council member Amrit Singh Bains, former TUC Policy Officer Dr Peter Purton and former Women’s FA Hon. Ass. Secretary Patricia Gregory.

"Delighted that this event is taking place, and at Wembley. It justifies years of hard work at  grass roots to raise the issue of anti-LGBT+ prejudice in football, and I am honored to have been asked to take part". Dr Peter Purton, TUC LGBT/disability officer (retired).

Keeley Baptista, Kick It Out Programmes Manager, said: “Just A Ball Game? have worked tirelessly for LGBT+ inclusion in football since 2010 and we’re proud to be a long-term supporter of their work.
 “The #StrongerTogether relaunch at Wembley promises to be an important day of discussion and workshops on LGBT+ issues, and we look forward to seeing how JGB? use it to build on their successes over the last 8 years.”

Lucy Clark says: “I love the work that Just A Ball Game? do and fully support them. Football and all sports should be enjoyed by everyone and just because a person is a member of the LGBT+ community they should still continue doing what they love without prejudice.”

“ As someone who very nearly gave up doing something I love because I am transgender, I appreciate the work the Just A Ball Game? are doing as quitting should not have even crossed my mind. I am honored to have been invited to talk at this event and look forward to meeting you all.”

Amrit Singh Bains had this to say,” It’s an absolute honor to attend the day  as a guest speaker. I am really humbled for this opportunity to use the game of football to unite, inspire and empower our communities.”


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Contact for further information: info@justaballgame.co.uk 
Founder-Lindsay England

JUST A BALL GAME? ANNUAL AWARD 2018- MERSEYSIDE POLICE.

                      

             JUST A BALL GAME? ANNUAL AWARD  2018 - MERSEYSIDE POLICE.

On November 9^th 2018 here at JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) we will be celebrating our eighth  birthday and ahead of this we are very pleased to announce that our Challenging Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia Award this year has gone to Merseyside Police.

Over the past twelve months we have teamed up with the North West force for a number of LGBT+ inclusion meetings, presentations and events and also looked at ways for them to integrate our resources in to their officer briefings and training.

Here at JBG? we use football and other sports as a tool to help educate around LGBT+ visibility and inclusion alongside challenging HBT abuse and behavior and this has helped inspire the constabulary to look at new ways of communicating and reaching out to the local community in the hope in turn members of the public will engage and trust officers more to deal with hate crime when it is reported.

JBG? now hope that other police forces across the country will now also look to partnering with the LGBT+ campaign organisation and team up to do similar work.

The award presentation was made to the Merseyside Police Community Engagement Unit who were grateful and proud to receive an acknowledgement of the newly formed partnership working with JBG? 

Inspector John Sacker said, “Today, Merseyside Police are very pleased to be presented with an award from Lindsay England, founder of JUST A BALL GAME? for their engagement and collaboration during 2018.”

End.

JBG? media release - “ TRANS KIDS ARE ALRIGHT.”

                             


                                 

                   “ TRANS KIDS ARE ALRIGHT.”

So much is being thrown around about the reform of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, and also trans inclusion in such a negative way.

Here at JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) we wanted to put our weight behind our trans brothers, sisters, friends, colleagues , strangers, and also those who may identify as non-binary, gender neutral or other, and show some love and support by issuing “Trans Kids Are Alright” laces.

Our patron Sophie Cook, alongside our friends at GMB Union/ Kick It Out/ Fans For Diversity/ have backed the initiative to raise awareness and visibility by wearing our pink and blue laces.

We have also been given the support of Dawn Butler, Labour MP Brent Central and Shadow SOS for Women & Equalities for this initiative.
Sandie Maile, co-chair GMB Shout! London region shows support:  "GMB Shout! the union's self-organised group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* + members, fully supports equality for trans* people and we are happy to endorse this campaign by Just a Ball Game?"

Brian Shaw,  Chair of GMB London Regional Equality Forum says: “GMB Shout! welcome this initiative, trans rights are human rights and changes to the gender recognition act need to be supported. Join GMB Shout! campaign’s - gmbshout.net”

Sophie Cook JBG? Patron has these words: “  “With the increasing levels of anti-trans prejudice that we are seeing in some quarters it is more important than ever to stand united in support of transgender rights. Trans people are disproportionately likely to suffer with mental health issues due to the abuse and discrimination that they receive so every sign of solidarity helps to show them that there are more people that believe in equality and love than those that seek to spread hate. I love this initiative from Just A Ball Game? And urge everyone to get behind the campaign and show that trans rights are human rights.”

Kick It Out.

Roisin Wood, CEO of Kick It Out, said: “The trans community are an important part of football and we were pleased to recognise that by appointing Sophie as our first transgender ambassador in 2016.”

“Just A Ball Game? do vital work supporting LGBT participants in the game and we are delighted to throw our support behind their pink and blue laces campaign to promote trans inclusion.”

JBG? have a limited number of the laces available and those who donate a minimum of £5 to JBG? via our website and social media links, will receive a pair of laces (while stocks last and inclusive of P+P) and a free JBG? badge. 

Please show your support for trans inclusion and wear pink and blue to let everyone know: “ Trans Kids Are Alright.”

Donate link is on our website pages: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=info@justaballgame.co.uk&lc=GB&item_name=web104&no_note=0&cn=&currency_code=GBP&bn=PP-DonationsBF:btn_donateCC_LG.gif:NonHosted

JBG? welcome The Leeds Hunters RUFC

                

                 

             Just A Ball Game? welcome The Leeds Hunters RUFC as a partner club.

We are very happy to announce that we are bringing The Leeds Hunters RUFC on board as a partner club.
The Leeds Hunters RUFC is an inclusive rugby club. 
The Club's primary aim is to provide, for any adult male aged 18 or over irrespective of race, sexual orientation, ethnicity and level of fitness or experience, a safe environment in which to enjoy the game of rugby. For all members, players, supporters and volunteers, The Leeds Hunters will always strive to foster an environment of mutual respect, equality, tolerance and teamwork, as well as promote cooperation, friendship and compassion both on and off the pitch.

Earlier this year as part of our LGBTHM events we visited the team training and found the club had recently been officially affiliated with Yorkshire Carnegie.

Tony Aimson, Leeds Hunters Chairman, said: “For a team who have recently celebrated their first anniversary, we are extremely honored to be affiliated with Yorkshire Carnegie, having their support along with experience and assistance with training will be a vast benefit to our players and coaching team. We are looking forward to a long relationship with Yorkshire Carnegie.”

Ever fancied giving rugby a try but been worried about taking the plunge? Fancy a new challenge?

All levels of ability - from zero previous experience upwards

All ages from 18+ LGBT+ and allies are welcome.

The aims and objectives of the club are:  

•   To offer playing and coaching opportunities in Rugby Union    

•   To promote the sport of Rugby Union    

•   To provide all services in a way that is fair to everyone    

•   To ensure that all present and future members receive fair and equal treatment    

•   To uphold the Rugby Core Values    

•   To provide a safe environment for members of all abilities to enjoy the game of rugby. 

Questions and answers about joining the club.

Do I need previous experience of playing rugby?

No! We are an inclusive team and that includes being inclusive of all levels of ability. We would welcome new players who have zero experience of playing rugby through to those that already play at a high level.

How often do you train?

We train twice a week (Wednesday evenings & Saturday mornings). We don't have a minimum attendance requirement but clearly those who train more regularly will better develop as a player and find themselves in a better position when it comes to selection for fixtures.

What is an inclusive team?

For us being inclusive means breaking down some barriers that exist for some people who ordinarily might not get involved in rugby for whatever the reason might be. 

Whilst our players are predominantly LGTB+ we also have straight players who are just as much part of the team. Sexual orientation is not a barrier - we welcome anyone regardless of how they might identify.

Where do you train?

Our home ground and training location is the Leodensian RUFC in north Leeds. Click below for our address.

How will I know if rugby is right for me?

You won't know until you try!

We are always on the look our for new members of the team. Get in contact with us to find out more about joining us for training. Your first months membership is free and after that you are under no obligation to continue. However we are sure that you'll love being a part of The Leeds Hunters RUFC family!

I want to join you for training, what should I bring?

If you've decided you want to get involved then drop us a message and we can let you know more information. The only requirement for training is a pair of boots and a bucket load of enthusiasm!

The Leeds Hunters RUFC

Crag Lane, Alwoodley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England LS17 5EW, United Kingdom

Website:  https://theleedshunters.co.uk/