JUST A BALL GAME? HOST LGBT+ HUB FOR 2022 EUROS.

 

 

JUST A BALL GAME? HOST LGBT+  HUB AT WOMEN’S EUROS 2022 FINALS.

 

Grass roots LGBT+ campaign organisation JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) are extremely proud to announce that they are hosting an LGBT+ HUB on match days in Leigh - Greater Manchester during the 2022 Euros

Believed to be the first ever LGBT+ hub at a women’s UEFA EUROS tournament finals in a host town or city, the hub will feature some of JBG?’s ‘TIME FOR ACTION’ exhibition panels alongside a stand of resources were fans attending games can mix with the general public and come along to the to find out more about LGBT+ inclusion in football. CASTRO, the LGBT+ Sports Mascot will also be in attendance and there will be spot prizes handed out to ticket holders engaging the hub during the event days.

The hub is hosted in partnership with GMB Trade Union and has been supported by Wigan Council.

Chair of GMB Union National Equality Forum and a full time rep for Wigan Council, David Hope says, “I welcome Just A Ball Game? to Leigh for the Women’s Euros 2022 Football Finals.”

“GMB as one of JBG? 's sponsors and partners think it’s fantastic to host the first ever LGBT+ Hub for a women's tournament here in Leigh adding to the town’s existing fan event programme on the match days.”

“Thanks to Just A Ball Game? & GMB Union, and a special thanks to Wigan Council for making this happen."

The hub will be situated just short distance from the fan park in Leigh Market/Spinning Gate Shopping centre, for anyone arriving into Leigh bus station it’s a 100 yards walk.

 

 

 

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Contact for further information: 07788474754.

Founder-Lindsay England  

info@justaballgame.co.uk  

Phuti Lekoloane becomes a patron of JUST A BALL GAME?

Phuti Lekoloane becomes a patron of JUST A BALL GAME?

South African full time goalkeeper Phuti Lekoloane becomes a patron of JUST A BALL GAME? 

As LGBT History Month 2020 kicks off, here at JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) we are happy to announce that the only ‘out’ gay South African full time footballer, Makapanstad Romans’ goalkeeper Phuti Lekoloane joins us as a patron.

Co-Chair of (JBG?) Alan Mercel-Sanca says, “We feel privileged when athletes from across the globe join our campaign and are excited at having Phuti on board.”   

Phuti wasn’t always a keeper, during his school days at Nkoana Primary and then Alan Ridge combined school he began his playing days as a right winger and sometimes a striker. 

Sadly Phuti faced bullying at a young age and in those days considered this to be the norm. He quit the game, and instead played netball. Physical harm followed when he was in his teenage years and it’s there realisation kicked in that this discrimination was wrong.

As a full time player Phuti also faced much discrimination and homophobia so it took some years to settle with a team and be accepted. Looking back to when he joined Tornardo FC the best thing about his time there was, Phuti says, “It’s that I was allowed to be myself and express myself all the time. I think the most important thing was I was never reminded that I am sexually different to others, the brotherhood was on another level.”

When asked about his thoughts on joining JBG? and being an ‘out and proud role model’ Phuti says, “ There are big responsibilities in shaping the future of the next generation of young LGBT+ athletes and taking the bait – I’ll help to create a safe space for them.”

info@justaballgame.co.uk  

JBG? Media: Rapinoe's heart-warming moment with inspiring fan.

JUST A BALL GAME? Media: Rapinoe's heart-warming moment with inspiring fan.

                           

                                                             

Our JUST A BALL GAME? founder Lindsay England was invited by FIFA TV to Milan for THE BEST awards, while there a film was made with Women’s Player award winner Megan Rapione. 

Here is the link to the film:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSPcizX6r9M&fbclid=IwAR15WwlPC0lBbdJeEy1ZIG20CZkgszMXqPoRUi5uieMm8_01JUVyGpYCLcI

Photos from downtime during filming.