KICK IT OUT RECEIVE ANNUAL JUST A BALL GAME? AWARD - MEDIA RELEASE.

KICK IT OUT RECEIVE ANNUAL JUST A BALL GAME? AWARD.

On Thursday 9^th November 2017 here at JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) we celebrated our 7^th birthday.

This year as in previous years, we looked at the good practise's shown by individuals and organisations who have partnered with us during the past 12 months helping to raise awareness around LGBT+ inclusion and visibility while also challenging homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) behaviour and bullying, and allocated our annual award.

We are pleased to announce that the 2017 JUST A BALL GAME? Challenging HBT Bullying Award goes to KICK IT OUT.

                                

Kick It Out is football’s equality and inclusion organisation.  A small independent charity, the ‘Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football’ campaign was established in 1993 in response to widespread calls from clubs, players and fans to tackle racist attitudes existing within the game. Kick It Out was then established as a body in 1997 as it widened out its objectives to cover all aspects of inequality and exclusion.

Earlier this year JBG? partnered with KICK IT OUT on a Home Office ‘LGBT Hate Crime in Football’ funded project to produce resources to educate match day staff and stewards on the issues of HBT behavior often heard in stadia within  the professional game.

CEO of Kick It Out Roisin Wood had this to say on receiving the award, “We are absolutely honored, on behalf of Kick It Out I want to say a big thank you, it’s been great working with you this year as we have for a number of years. We hope that some of the resources we have been doing and the support of the type of work you have been doing continues on.”

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.

Bedfordshire FA sign as partner organisation.

 Bedfordshire FA sign as partner organisation.

We are very happy to announce that one of the latest organisations to join JUST A BALL GAME? as a partner is, Bedfordshire FA.

Here is what Beds FA had to say, for more info please contact: Beds FA Inclusion and Safeguarding officer Sarah DaCosta sarah.dacosta@bedfordshirefa.com

1st February marked the beginning of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month which will see a string of events, initiatives and projects launched across the United Kingdom.

The overall aim of LGBT History month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public. The month honours the lives and achievements of the LGBT community whilst seeking to promote the welfare of LGBT people and raise awareness of important issues involving the community.

Just A Ball Game? Workshop
To celebrate LGBT History Month at Beds FA, on Wednesday February 10th, Lindsay England from Just A Ball Game? deliverd a workshop to staff and volunteers to raise awareness of inclusion and LGBT equal opportunities in football from grassroots to elite. Everybody was made welcome to attend the workshop which was free and lasted around  1 ½ hours.

Lindsay England is the founder of Just A Ball Game?, a  campaign group which helps both grass roots and professional sports groups, organisations , authorities, along with governments, education establishments and trade unions build on their existing work. The aim is to deliver the core values of 'SiR' SAFETY-INCLUSION-RESPECT around LGBT people, sexual orientation and gender identity. Further information can be found at their website here: www.justaballgame.co.uk

Lindsay is a member of the new Beds FA IAG (Inclusion Advisory Group) and we are really excited to be working with Lindsay and all the members of the IAG who bring a wealth of diverse knowledge and experience to the group.

Resources and presentation supported by:

MEDIA RELEASE-GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE TRADES UNION CONGRESS (TUC) FRANCES O’GRADY BECOMES A PATRON OF JUST A BALL GAME?

                                    

  

 

    GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE TRADES UNION CONGRESS  (TUC)   FRANCES O’GRADY BECOMES A PATRON OF JUST A BALL GAME?

 

Anti-discrimination campaign organisation JUST A BALL GAME? are extremely honoured and  privileged in announcing  the General Secretary of the TUC, Frances O’Grady, is to become  one of our Patrons.
Frances, a North London resident and a long term Arsenal supporter, as an experienced campaigner and a leader, will be a fantastic addition to the organisation with her high profile and commitment to supporting an LGBT community, helping to raise awareness on LGBT inclusion and visibility as a straight ally.

Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC, said:
“I’m proud to become a patron of ‘Just A Ball Game?’. There should be no room for hate and homophobia in what is the beautiful game. The TUC is committed to stamping out prejudice against LGBT people in football, at work and in society. Together, we’ve made a lot of progress but there’s still a long way to go before everyone is treated with the dignity and respect we all have the right to expect.”

Bradford Councillor and Labour Party member Richard Dunbar says:
 “I am proud to be involved with Just A Ball Game? and working to ensure that homophobia and discrimination is challenged in football grounds, schools and other settings across the country. To have Frances O’Grady as Just A Ball Game?’s new patron is a great endorsement of the work done by the organisation. The struggles of the Trade Union movement and LGBT communities are similar and so we will be unrelenting in challenging homophobia and other discrimination through education and therefore ensure equality and acceptance  win the day.”

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

Best wishes to England Women's World Cup Squad.

            Here at JBG? we would like to send our best wishes to the England Women's World Cup                                           squad as they start their campaign of Canada 2015.
                       We have made 2 posters dedicated to 2 of our favourite England players.

Partner Club Manchester Canalsiders ARL in the spotlight.

                                    Partner Club Manchester Canalsiders RL in the spotlight.

As part of our LGBT History Month events this year we did some coaching sesssion work with our partner club Manchester Canalsiders ARL. Alongside this our Mascot CASTRO went along to a filming day and featured in the Canalsiders promo video.

 It's Here .... Project Awesome ....
Watch the new Manchester Canalsiders ARLFC Recruitment Video promoting Rugby League which is Awesome. Want to have a go why not come along to our next training session Saturday 10am Wright Robinson Sports College Gorton Manchester.
Everyone is welcome at Canalsiders regardless of Age, Ability. We are a fully inclusive team and have teams for both Ladie's & Gent's, Full Contact to Non Contact we have versions of Rugby League for everyone.
This video is dedicated to Lisa Nuttall one of our team mate's who sadly passed away suddenly last weekend. RIP Lisa a lovely lady, a great player who will be missed.
We'd like this video to go Viral and show the world that Rugby League is Awesome whether you're at a Grass Roots Club or Super League, we hope everyone on the page will share this and use ‪#‎RLisAwesome‬ ‪#‎RLNewEra‬
Thank you to Andy Green who filmed this for the Club from Manchester Vault visit their You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-irbDtU4hR0sLotSoLogmQ

Canalsiders events can been seen here:  https://www.facebook.com/MCRCanalsiders/events







If you would like to try something active come along and try new sports including Rugby League with Manchester Canalsiders ARLFC. We are also holding a Youth Rugby League / Euro Tag Training Sessions & Tournamnet as part of Sports May if you know any 13-18 year olds that would like to take part drop us a message and we'll let you have all the info, Posters & Flyers coming soon.

We are also delighted to announce that Manchester Canalsiders ARLFC have been awarded a Manchester Pride have awarded the club a Community Grant. These funds will be used to get LGBT people into Sport including Younger LGBT Youths & Women who may feel that as an LGBT person / Female there is no room for them in Sport, our aim is to create an environment where everyone is welcome regardless of Age, Gender, Sex or religion.
We are looking forward to using these funds to help devlop our community and the people within it get fit, have fun and make new friends.We would like to thank the Manchester Pride Community Panel for selecting our club and awarding us this grant

If you are interested in joining the club, whether to play or volunteer please email recruitment@canalsiders.co.uk

                                                   JUST A BALL GAME? AGM 2015.

Nite Nite Hotel

18 Holliday Street, B1 1TB Birmingham, United Kingdom

12:30pm -14:30pm Saturday 18th April 2015
This year's JBG? AGM will be held on Saturday 18th April at Nite Nite Hotel Birmingham.
All are welcome.



                                   

TUC launch toolkit for unions to tackle homophobia in football- with JBG?

 

TUC launches toolkit for unions to tackle homophobia in football

A toolkit designed to stamp out homophobia in football is being launched today (Wednesday) by the TUC as part of a concerted action by unions and their allies.
The toolkit is to help unions challenge the prejudice faced by many LGBT people in football and wider sport. It was written and designed by members of the TUC alliance against homophobia and transphobia in football in association with The Professional Footballers Association (PFA), the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Just a Ball Game? – a campaign which challenges homophobia and promotes LGBT participation in sport.
The toolkit includes practical ideas and advice for union members on how they can best tackle homophobia at club level and what kind of resources they may need.
The toolkit will be launched at the TUC’s headquarters by Frances O’Grady, the TUC General Secretary, with members of the alliance including Gordon Taylor from the PFA, Maria Exall, chair of the TUC LGBT committee, and Lindsay England from Just a Ball Game? The launch is also being supported by Stonewall, the Gay Football Supporters’ Federation and the Inclusion Adviser at the Football Association.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

”Unions are continuing to do outstanding work promoting equality at work and in society in general. This toolkit will help them reinforce the message that there is absolutely no place for homophobia in football or indeed any kind of sport.
“Union activists have used this approach at a number of professional clubs in the past and we want to build on those successes.”

The event will take place at 1pm at TUC headquarters, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS.


- The TUC alliance toolkit Tackling Homophobia in Football can be found at http://www.tuc.org.uk/equality-issues/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-rights/tackling-homophobia-football
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
 

 http://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/TacklingHomophobiaToolkit.pdf