BRADFORD CITY LGBT+ FAN GROUP JOIN EUROPE WIDE ORGANISATION

MEDIA RELEASE : BRADFORD CITY LGBT+ FAN GROUP JOIN EUROPE WIDE ORGANISATION

This week Bradford City LGBT+ fan group celebrated its second anniversary and became the first UK LGBT+ fan group to be inducted into the Queer Football Fan club (QFF) network at their annual conference in Dortmund, Germany.

Over 80 people attended representing fan groups from Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and England.

QFF are an umbrella organisation representing LGBT+ fan groups from across Europe with the key aim being to aid inclusion in football and tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia where it exists in the game.

Lindsay England (Just A Ball Game?) and Bradford Councillor Richard Dunbar as founding members of the Bradford City LGBT+ fan group presented to the conference about the work that has been done over the past 2 years and how they intend to work more closely with Bradford City to ensure LGBT+ fans are truly apart of the Bantams family.

Lindsay England said:

“Bradford City LGBT+ fan group are very honoured to become the first UK fan club to be inducted into the QFF. We look forward to working in partnership with other fan groups across Europe to ensure LGBT+ fans are included in all aspects of the game”

Councillor Richard Dunbar said:

“This is great news for Bradford and is recognition of the good work that has gone on to make LGBT+ fans feel truly included at Valley Parade. Representatives from across Europe are impressed by Bradford City’s work on being a truly inclusive club and we look forward to working more closely on them on this agenda”

If you are interesting in being involved in the Bradford City LGBT+ fan group you can email bradfordcitylgbtfans@gmail.com for more information.

You can also follow the group on Twitter: @BfdCityLGBT

BRADFORD CITY LGBT fan group first patron ADAM McCABE.

                     

               BRADFORD CITY LGBT fan group have first patron in ADAM McCABE.

Bradford City LGBT fan group are extremely proud to announce that former Bradford City reserve player Adam McCabe will become their first patron.

Ex-professional player McCabe  ‘came out’  when his story was told globally earlier this year while playing for Georgia Revolution FC, Adam will also become a patron of JUST A BALL GAME?

“While I was playing soccer at a younger age, I was not out to my teammates. I did not really even think about my sexuality until the end of high school. Soccer was all that I thought about. I lived, breathed, ate and slept soccer. And I was not going to let anything, like a relationship or my sexuality, get in the way of my goals and dreams.”

Adam is now back playing in the USA and has a full time job for ‘Hersheys’ but also coaches along with regular appearances in the NPSL.

“Becoming a patron for Bradford City LGBT fan group and JBG?  means standing up for a minority in football and in sports in general. This is a platform and opportunity to shape the landscape of sports and change the perception of LGBTQ individuals in sports. To be a role model and inspire others was the main reason I decide to come out. I knew that I could help a lot of other people struggling with this same issue if I was brave enough to be a leader by example,” says McCabe.

LGBT fan group member Bradford Councillor Richard Dunbar had this to say, “I am delighted to hear that Adam will be joining as patron for both Bradford City LGBT Fan Group and JBG?”
“Having him on board sends a positive message to other professional players struggling with the thought of coming out. I would like to think we are closer than ever to a professional player coming out in the English Football Leagues. It is when clubs like Bradford City fly the rainbow flag, have a zero tolerance on hate speech and openly celebrate events like LGBT History Month that make this more possible."

End.

A message from Bradford City FC

In support of Bradford City LGBT fan group and JUST A BALL GAME? for LGBT History Month 2017.



A message from Bradford City FC

“Bradford City FC has been committed, for many years, to supporting members of the LGBT Community who follow football in general and Bradford City FC in particular.

The Club is proud to have dealt effectively on issues that may have arisen, and supported the LGBT Community as moves have been made to enhance and intensify the message that inclusion is right for clubs and supporters alike.
The Club displays the Rainbow Flag at all home games, offers a confidential texting service to highlight problems, and undertakes support and training for members of the match day staff.
As we approach February 2017, we are delighted to be, once again, supporting the LGBT History Month.”

FOOTBALL MATCH Sun 19th Feb 2017 JBG? v AFA Charity

Bradford City Women FC become JUST A BALL GAME? partner club.

            

Just A Ball Game? very proud to have The Bantams Women's team as a partner club.

Bradford City Women's Football Club provides opportunities for women and girls of all ages to train and play football at the highest possible level in the English football leagues.

The team are one of the biggest women's football clubs in the area and welcome players of all ages and ability and is run by a willing band of unpaid volunteers.

They play under the name of Bradford City Women's Football Club, although they are financially independent from Bradford City FC. The club have to raise all their own funds to enable the players to train and play at the very top of their chosen sport. Each player pays to play and has to combine working in their normal day to day jobs or studies, and the considerable demands of training twice a week & playing matches on a Sunday across the country.

Lindsay England founder of Just A Ball Game? says:

" TEAMING UP WITH BCWFC GIVES JUST A BALL GAME? A CHANCE TO SPREAD THE WORD ON OUR CAMPAIGN WORK WHICH SEEKS TO RAISE AWARENESS AROUND LGBT+ INCLUSION AND VISIBILITY AND ALSO CHALLENGE WHAT IS SEEN AS HOMOPHOBIA OR ANTI-GAY."

 "WE HAVE ALREADY SEEN THE MEN'S TEAM SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGN FOR SEVERAL SEASONS NOW AND WE ARE VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO PARTNERING WITH THE WOMEN'S SQUAD TO SHOWCASE HOW SERIOUSLY FOOTBALL IN BRADFORD IS AROUND EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY.

"JUST A BALL GAME? WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE AT BCWFC FOR THE PARTNERSHIP  WHICH SHOWS SUPPORT FOR THE IMPORTANT WORK WE ARE DOING AND THE REAL DIFFERENCE WE ARE MAKING IN CHALLENGING DISCRIMINATION WITHIN THE GAME."

"WE HAVE A HUGE INTEREST IN THE WOMEN'S GAME AND ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE RESPECT AND ACCEPTANCE IT BRINGS TO YOUNG PEOPLE."

History

1988: Bradford City Women's Football Club is formed after linking up with local youth centres already involved in training girls.

1989: The Club becomes a founding members of the Yorkshire and Humberside Women's League, winning promotion from Division Two, runners up in the Yorkshire Plate and reaching the semi-finals of the knockout cup.

LINK to CLUB: http: //www.bcwfc.co.uk/

GAY RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER -REECE ROBERTSON, JUST A BALL GAME?’s NEW PATRON.

                                    JUST A BALL GAME? - MEDIA RELEASE.   


  

GAY RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER -REECE ROBERTSON, JUST A BALL GAME?’s NEW PATRON.


Here at JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?)  we are excited to announce our first patron from the world of Rugby League in former Keighley Cougars junior-Reece Robertson.
As an 18 year-old playing Rugby League and working in a brewery pub while studying at University, Reece Robertson is your average young man, who just happens to identify as Gay! 

A couple of years back Reece wrote an article for an LGBT news page, he then took the brave decision and came out to his team mates not once but twice, the result, mostly positive. Reece says, “I thought to myself, I have come out to the rest of the world, why should I hide who I am from my team mates?” “They didn’t care, I had played alongside most of these boys since I was 7 years old, I was still the same Reece.”
A year later Robertson was playing for a re-formed Keighley Albion open age side, he left the field of play on a high as man of the match, back in the changing rooms an ex-junior team mate mentioned his sexuality, Reece’s heart began to race. One of the older players laughed then commented, “He’s played awesome, he’s an Albion boy, who cares about his sexuality.”

On becoming a Patron for JUST A BALL GAME? Reece had this to say,” I am gratified at being asked to become a Patron of JBG? who are starting to work towards eradicating homophobia from football and other sports, and I very much wanted to support their campaigns. It’s good to raise awareness on LGBT issues and great to get community people together.”



End.

Just a Ball Game? 5th Birthday Award to Bradford Brewery

        
                      Just a Ball Game? 5th birthday Award to                                                                                                               Bradford Brewery

A week ago on 9th November Just A Ball Game? (JBG?) celebrated their 5th Birthday. As in previous years the annual Tackling Homophobia in Football Award was presented by JBG? and this year (2015) it was given to BRADFORD BREWERY for their support in creating Bradford City LGBT fan group (@BfdCityLGBT)  and also designating the bar as a safe space for LGBT fans on a match day.
JBG? founder Lindsay England presented the silver salver to Brewery Owner Roy Davison (pictured above wearing one of JBG?'s ltd edition claret & amber shirts!) and it was immediately put on display for staff and customers to admire.

Alison Jackel, Manager of the Bradford Brewery had this to say on learning of the award: " I'm proud the Bradford Brewery has been given the 2015 Tackling Homophobia in Football Award and we are very happy giving support to Just A Ball Game? We are proud we are the only 'straight ally' bar in the world to offer a dedicated safe space for LGBT fans on a match day and beyond. It's important to stand up to homophobia. I personally will stand by JBG? to educate and support against homophobia."

                                            

The birthday celebrations continued during the week when JBG? also gained support from Bantams Banter podcast presenters TOM & DOM who spoke about JBG? and the Bradford City LGBT fan group on their West Yorkshire Sport radio show. Anyone who missed the recording can catch up here for a few days: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p035qnhf

                                            

We end our week with the official announcement of a second football club to come under the JBG? brand as a group of professional women in the North West who play recreational 5-a-side football to keep fit and healthy have partnered with us to become another Just A Ball Game? team known as JBG? MERSEYSIDE. The team play in a league at the Netherton Goals Soccer Centre on a Thursday evening and proudly wear our JBG? strip.
                                       

A Sporting Partnership

JUST A BALL GAME?

EVENT:  THURSDAY 1^ST OCTOBER 6:30- 9:30PM AT BRADFORD BREWERY.

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A SPORTING PARTNERSHIP

Just a Ball Game? has teamed up with Bradford Brewery to create a new unique  partnership. On the 1^st October, the brewery will be launching a beer named Just a Ball Game? and launching a safe space for LGBT sports fans on match days. 

Additionally, on the night, a new Bradford City LGBT Supporters Group will be officially launched, with the Twitter account  @BFDCITYLGBT. The new fan club is endorsed by Bradford City Football Club, who are already proudly displaying the banner.
“Bradford City FC is delighted that Just a Ball Game? has achieved this support from the Bradford Brewery. The Club has worked closely with Just a Ball Game? since its inception and they have always provided sensible and practical support for the Club as it looks to attract LGBT fans to its home games.

We are a Club that is open to all and Just a Ball Game? has helped Bradford City FC to ensure its fan-base is fully inclusive.  We thank Bradford Brewery for their support for this venture and hope that the organisational links helps Just a Ball Game?  to go from strength-to-strength.” David Dowse, Facilities Manager, Bradford City FC.

During the course of the evening, there will be a Q&A session with invited guests including Gerry Sutcliffe, the former Sports Minister and Councillor Richard Dunbar. Alongside this there will be an educational exhibition on display, entitled “Time for Action”, and memorabilia from the women’s football game.

Support for these initiatives’ has come from many people including the Leader  of Bradford Council, David Green, “I welcome this initiative applaud the organisers in making sure that the peoples game is open and safe for all people to enjoy. It is great to see one of our new local businesses getting involved in this community initiative and supporting one of our great sporting clubs”

The beer will be a traditional English Best Bitter containing pale malt, crystal malt, wheat, caramel and chocolate malt with a royal gold colour.

In addition to being on sale at the Bradford Brewery, the beer will also be sale at Al’s Dime Bar, on North Parade.

Lindsay England, founder of JBG? said, “ Just a Ball Game? are very proud of the partnerships with both Bradford Brewery, and Al’s Dime Bar. Who, as of the 1^st October will be selling a beer with our brand name on it to mark the launch of the LGBT safe space and Bradford City LGBT fan group.”

 A spokesperson for the brewery had this to add: "Bradford Brewery are pleased to support Just a ball Game? It is important that individuality within sport is celebrated. We are all one team."- Alison of Bradford Brewery.

It’s hoped the branded beer, safe space and LGBT fan group will help to evolve an LGBT /straight alliance and inspire other communities to do similar.

The launch is a free event, and open to all who wish to support the venture.

Event support from:

 

Joint Media Release: JBG? and Bradford Brewery.

        Joint Media Release: JBG? and Bradford Brewery.

Bradford Brewery partnership with Just  A Ball Game? create a branded Beer to launch LGBT Fan Group and Safe Space.

Campaign organisation Just A Ball Game? (JBG?) has created a unique partnership with Bradford Brewery to provide a branded beer on sale for the month of October 2015 to launch a Bradford City LGBT Fan Group and also the venue as a ‘Safe Space’ for LGBT fans to drink at on match days.

The launch will take place 18:30 -21:30 on October 1st 2015 with a number of invited guests including former Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe, Bradford Councillors Richard Dunbar, Susan Hinchcliffe and Sue Duffy. JBG?’s educational exhibition ‘TIME FOR ACTION’  will also be on display along with posters and memorabilia from the Women’s Game will also be on display during October.

Mr Dunbar says, "I am proud to be part of this Just A Ball Game? initiative to get a fan group going. LGBT sports fans need to know they are in a safe environment, and can enjoy the whole match experience the same as everyone else."

Lindsay England, founder of JBG? said, “ Bradford City have for several years supported the local LGBT community as part of the ‘football family’ and the time is now right to introduce an LGBT fan group for the club.” “We wanted to take a quirky idea and bring our brand name to local football fans to create a way they can connect with our work in raising awareness around LGBT inclusion and visibility. Having the Bradford Brewery partner with us by introducing a new beer and a safe space can help bring this about.

The beer will be a traditional English Best Bitter containing pale malt, crystal malt, wheat, caramel and chocolate malt with a royal gold colour.

 Listen to how JUST A BALL GAME? beer was made. Open url,click play. If Whoops! appears click Music Player For Google Drive. http://tinyurl.com/o2pyr6k


A spokesperson for the brewery had this to add: "Bradford Brewery are pleased to support Just a ball Game? It is important that individuality within sport is celebrated. We are all one team."- Alison of Bradford Brewery.
It’s hoped the branded beer, safe space and LGBT fan group will help to evolve an LGBT /straight alliance and inspire other communities to do similar.



contact:info@justaballgame.co.uk