Serenity Security Solutions team up with Just a Ball Game?

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

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                  Serenity Security Solutions team up with Just a Ball Game?

                    

Serenity Security Solutions have become the first company from within the security industry to support LGBT campaign organisation Just a Ball Game? by becoming a partner organisation.

Many football fans and other sports fans who identify as being LBGT attend games/matches/ events and are subjected to having to either personally endure or witness what is seen as homophobia or anti-gay abuse and hear homophobic chants while they watch professional athletes whom they try to aspire too.

Sadly too many security firms employ security and stewarding with little or no training and education around equality and diversity, and these employees turn a blind eye to much of the homophobia which is around.

It’s hoped that more firms like Serenity Security Solutions can help bring an end to the abuse and chants if they engage with Just a Ball Game?’s campaigns.

Both Just a Ball Game? (through patron, Manchester City Ladies goalkeeper- Andie Worrall) and Serenity Security Solutions were nominated and have now been short listed for this year’s UK Homo Hero Awards. Serenity under Business of the Year section, and Andie Worrall as Role Model of the Year.

Please take 2 minutes of your time and visit the LGF website and register your vote: https://www.lgf.org.uk/surveys/index.php?sid=95345&lang=en

This summer Serenity Security solutions have introduced 'SPIKEY' a drink spiking awareness campaign.

All Serenity’s Door Supervisors have been given the products ‘SPIKEY’ and ‘Drink Detective’ to hand out to customers for free in Manchester City Centre venues, which will be displaying posters, to raise awareness of drink spiking this summer.

Spikey helps prevent drinks from being spiked in pubs, bars and at parties. It is a brightly coloured plastic “use once only” stopper that glows in UV light so everyone can see that the drink has been protected.   

                                  

 “We at Just a Ball Game? are proud to be associated with serenity who have one of the most diverse workforces in the security sector,” says founder Lindsay England.

A director for the Manchester based company, Kamla Uppiah  had this to say: “Serenity Security are proud to support 'Just A Ball Game?', a non-profit, voluntary organisation who challenge homophobia in sport. We here at Serenity have a zero tolerance policy on discrimination of any kind and the three core values of 'Just A Ball Game?' which are Safety, Inclusion and Respect are also values held by Serenity.

Homophobia and hate crimes in sport are completely unacceptable and we will do what we can to help 'Just A Ball Game?' spread their message. Sport is something that everyone should be able to enjoy no matter their race, disability, sex, religion or sexual orientation.”

For more info on Serenity Security Solutions http://www.serenitysecurity.co.uk/

Call us on: 0800 193 2000      info@serenitysecurity.co.uk

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

  justaballgame.co.uk © 2011-2013.

LGF POSTERS INTRODUCED AT HYDE FC

 HYDE FC introduce LGF posters.

Continuing their commitment to being an LGBT inclusive club, Skrill Conference Premier side Hyde FC have introduced the LGF's (Lesbian and Gay Foundation) support/helpline  posters and  booklets around the club.







  This information is a small part of the many available information packs to some 400,000 plus LGBT people in the Manchester area  who access the charities resources each year. It's believed that this is the first time any football club in the UK has visibly displayed any such resources to reach out too a fan base of LGBT supporters and club staff alike with the information being displayed on notice boards inside club premises and also on stands for both home and visiting supporters.

The action taken by the club follows on from the partnership with Just a Ball Game? in previous years whereby they have taken a stand to raise awareness around LGBT issues, gender identity, and challenge what is seen to be homophobia and anti-gay, showcasing the "Think Before You Chant!" and "Time For Change-Now!" campaigns.

To find out more about the LGF please use this link:  http://www.lgf.org.uk/

 To find out more about the work of Just A Ball Game? and how your team/ club can be involved in challenging homophobia in football please follow us on TWITTER: @justaballgame or visit our website: justaballgame.co.uk


Contact Lindsay England: info@justaballgame.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL: Guest Blog from: ENGLANDFANS TEAM MANAGER.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL: Guest Blog from: ENGLANDFANS TEAM MANAGER.


PRESS RELEASE
CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF CUTHBERT OTTAWAY  
EnglandFans FC are delighted to announce that arrangements are nearly complete for two days of great celebrations at Paddington Old Cemetery, on Tuesday 13th August 2013, and Marlow Football Club, on Wednesday 14th August 2013, to commemorate the first ever official International Match which was played between England and Scotland which took place on 30th November, 1872.   The Captain of the England team that day was Cuthbert Ottaway who had played for Marlow Football club. Cuthbert Ottaway was a great sportsman excelling also at cricket, athletics, rackets, and real tennis - he tragically died at the early age of 28.
Football historians have recently discovered Cuthbert Ottaway`s grave and headstone in a dilapidated state in Paddington Old Cemetery in London.   An appeal for funds for its restoration has been successful (mostly from the Professional Footballers Association) and so there will be a ceremony at the cemetery on Tuesday 13th August at 11 a.m. to re-instate the headstone and return Cuthbert’s grave to its former, and rightful, glory. This event is open to the public, it’s free, and it would be nice to see as many England fans there, as possible. This event will appeal to those England fans that have an interest in the history of the game. A commemorative service of order will be handed out on the day. Paddington Old Cemetery is situated on Willesden Lane, London NW6 7SD. Parking will be available at the cemetery but for those attending using public transport, the nearest tube station is Kilburn (Jubilee line) and the nearest London Overground stations are Brondesbury and Brondesbury Park. For those driving, Willesden Lane is situated off the A5, Maida Vale/Kilburn High Road. Guests from the PFA and FA will be in attendance, as will the Mayor of Marlow and the chairman and directors from Marlow FC, and it is hoped that all in attendance will repair to the adjacent Prince of Wales, public house, for refreshments and the chance to talk with the guests.   
On Wednesday 14th August, to coincide with the England v Scotland International at Wembley (8 p.m. kick off), there will be two games in Marlow:
10 a.m. kick off at Riley Park:
Marlow FC Vets XI v EnglandFans FC Vets XI
Riley Park was formerly the Crown Ground and was where Marlow F.C. played from 1870 until 1916. This ground, still used for football, today, is where Cuthbert Ottaway would have played for Marlow FC.
The Marlow veteran’s team will include some recent Marlow favourites, including, Steve Croxford, Kieron Drake, Mattie Glynn, Kevin Stone and James Pritchard.
1 p.m. kick off at the Alfred Davis Memorial Sports Ground:
EnglandFans F.C. v Tartan Army Select FC.
The Tartan Army are coming to town and the official Scotland fans team, the Tartan Army Select FC will provide stiff opposition for the Three Lions fans team in this much anticipated, first-ever, Auld Enemy fans clash! If that wasn’t enough, there’s some big names lined-up to manage both teams. Manager, Garford Beck, has arranged for his old Grays Athletic gaffer, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Scotland legend, Frank Gray, to manage the Scots, whilst EnglandFans FC will be managed by two more of his old bosses (Grays Athletic and Croydon Athletic), former Fulham, Gillingham and Reading player, Neil Smith and former Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient and Gillingham player, Tim O’Shea. Frank, of course, unique in English football, being the only man to play for two different English clubs’ in a European Cup Final, won a host of medals at Leeds and Forest under Don Revie and Brian Clough and also picked up 32 Scotland caps and played in the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. ‘Smudger’ Smith played under Kevin Keegan at Fulham and won promotion there and at Gillingham and Reading, too. TOSH made three first team appearances at Spurs under Terry Venables before moving onto Gillingham via a short spell with the O’s. TOSH made over 100 league appearances before moving to Hong Kong where he was voted Hong Kong Top Footballer in 1992-93, 1993-1994, 1996-97 & 1997-98. So, there’s a top line-up of managers to whet the appetite, one played in a world cup and all three played under former England managers! Fans of the clubs that our three honorary managers played for will not want to miss out on the chance of meeting, Frank, Neil and Tim. All three are terrific men and will be more than happy to chat and mingle with players and supporters from both camps. We are reliably informed that the Scots are coming to Marlow in big numbers so it would be nice to see a good number of England fans there, too.   
This game will be played for the Cuthbert Ottaway Memorial Cup.
Admission is free to both games, there will be ample, free and secure car-parking and a very collectable commemorative programme will be on sale at just £3.
Quality hot and cold food will be on sale, at the Alfred Davis memorial Sports Ground, very reasonably priced (much better than served up at Wembley Stadium and about a third of the price, too!) and the bar will be open all day, again, selling soft drinks and alcoholic beverages at very reasonable prices. Marlow FC has also said that fans will be able to wander round the clubhouse/boardroom and view the very historic artefacts on display at this wonderful football club.
For those who may be considering attending but are worried about public transport connections, don’t worry! Marlow FC is about four miles from High Wycombe train station and the trains from there run, very regularly, directly to Wembley Stadium train station, taking about 25 minutes
Come and witness another day in the illustrious histories of EnglandFans FC and Marlow Football Club.
Players are still invited to participate in both games, although numbers are strictly limited. Please contact Garford Beck for further details (see below).
For more information, please contact, team manager, Garford Beck on 07944-828527 or via e-mail at garfordbeck@hotmail.com.

“We are the Champions my friends, we’ll keep on fighting till the end.”

                   

                                            “We are the Champions my friends, we’ll keep on fighting till the end.”



These are familiar words of a song -We are the Champions, written and performed by the British rock band Queen for their 1977 album News of The World.
 Here at Just A Ball Game? we hope this song can be an unofficial anthem for the up -coming 2014 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympic Games in support of any LGBT athlete who will be participating in the events. Coincidently the Winter Olympic Games will take place between 7th Feb and 23rd Feb 2014 the same month that we in the UK celebrate LGBT History Month. A great way we at JBG? believe the world can unite and celebrate together to raise awareness around LGBT issues and visible inclusion, gender identity and challenge what is seen to be homophobia or anti-gay.

The Games are to be held in Sochi in Russia, where at present laws of this country state the following: Russia's lower house of parliament passed a law against the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" (i.e. propaganda from "the gays"). The vote was of 436 in favour, 0 against. You could argue that the bill could have been more homophobic, since its original title was the law against "homosexual propaganda." The law against "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations," which the bill's defenders defined as "relations not conducive to procreation," is a step in the right direction, I guess. But if you suspect the legislation will not be applied to heterosexual couples who cannot or choose not to have biological children of their own, you are correct. The law imposes significant fines of up to $31,000 for providing information about the LGBT community to minors, holding gay pride events, speaking in defence of gay rights, or equating gay and heterosexual relationships. In a truly egalitarian and internationalist spirit, the bill applies to Russians and foreigners alike, as well as media organizations.

In 2010 here in the UK we at JBG? were disheartened to learn that FIFA (the global football  governing body) had given the 2018 World Cup Finals to Russia and then 2022 to Qatar. Many football fans the world over have since stated they were irate that Qatar with its 40* plus temperatures and laws around sale and consumption of alcohol had been chosen, and a number of LGBT campaign organisations were unhappy with the countries laws which are against homosexuality. But despite this there has been no real united front from football fans and countries FA’s to galvanise a campaign to force FIFA to change their decisions. At best a few grumbles were made and FIFA president Sepp Blatter came out with his usual comedy statement defending the awarding of the finals to a non-traditional football environment.

As a campaigner and highlighting issues about these countries laws with various football authorities in  the UK and Europe for a number of years previous to the decisions made, I was saddened that just like 3 years earlier in 2007 when the decision was taken to award the Winter Games to Sochi that very little word had been spoken when it mattered from the powers that be against countries applying to host and the world governing bodies of both FIFA and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) who are responsible for awarding the tournaments/games.

I personally have a real divided opinion at times on issues which arise around supporting a boycott or protest about such laws and their implementation, and the consequences the laws have around both human rights and equality for LGBT people in the host countries and for those tourists participating and enjoying a global sporting event.

I have visited Russia as an England football fan in October 2007 and the Neanderthal and at times inhumane way myself and the majority of fellow 4000 supporters were treated whilst on Moscow soil for 36 hours has resulted in me never wanting to set foot again in that country for any reason.
If there are to be talks of boycotts or protests,then during the bidding process years and at very latest the day of announcement of hosts I believe is the correct time to do such. As I fear that concerns about the safety and security of athletes, coaches and backroom staff and visiting public only a few months before is too little too late. Alongside of this, it seems totally unfair on those who compete who have trained and adjusted lifestyles in order to be in the best shape possible physically and mentally to throw away the years of hard work attaining this by calling for a boycott or moving the events to another country. After all for many athletes this is their chosen profession.

Along with this sports fans the world over often work hard and save up their wages making sacrifices along the way to afford corporate ticket prices and make arrangements around travel and accommodation  well in advance of huge sporting events in order for them to attend what could be for them a once in a life time experience.

It’s also sad for us to see that in the resent media hype around the issues facing the games and competitors in just over 6 months time that no mention has been given to the fact that the Winter Paralympic Games also take place in Sochi. Our very own patrons list here at JBG? consists of non other than Claire Harvey captain of GB Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team. Could it be that the global awareness of Paralympians as super athletes in their own right doesn’t need to be given a high profile in Sochi, or is this competition another aspect of human life a Putin government would rather not promote?

It’s too late for a boycott for a number of reasons whatever the rights or wrongs around one anyway, as there would have to be a complete blank of the Games globally to have any effect and in a world of marketing and sponsorship there would not be the support needed. The legacy from the winter Olympics is what?  we ask, oh yeah the money spinning agreement for Russia to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix on the Streets there for the 6 years following the Games!

 We would like to see the IOC make changes to its constitution and charter, look in-house and take more responsibility around it’s official social media outlets which have recently themselves been seen by all to state that homophobic language is ok to use, and request that individual countries taking part  ensure they have an LGBT section within their National Houses set ups at the Games.
Finally, Just a Ball Game?  would like LGBT’s the world over to adopt  the use of  the Queen song ‘WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS’ as an official anthem for Sochi 2014.


Foot note.
Our campaign friends in France and other counties through (Annie Sugier,Présidente de la Ligue du Droit Internatitonal des Femmes) produced this information in the lead up to the London 2012 games as part of their booklet:
“Everyone has the right to take part in sport. Only a small number of sportsmen and women openly declare their homosexuality. These Games (London 2012) must demonstrate that the Olympic movement is aware of this issue and be ready to make a lasting commitment to fight homophobia in sport at all levels.The 2012 Games must be a secure and welcoming place where everyone must be able to take part without fear in respect of their sexual orientation.”

The booklet in full can be found here:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=1340b05532de4a0a&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3Dbf99b30c3d%26view%3Datt%26th%3D1340b05532de4a0a%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&sig=AHIEtbSVd5RqRSjh4vExC5-NIxpZIDDELQ


or you can contact us at info@justaballgame.co.uk and we will email you a copy.






Lindsay England.

UK HOMO HERO NOMINATION for our patron ANDIE WORRALL.

ANDIE WORRALL short listed for UK Homo Hero ROLE MODEL OF YEAR AWARD.

Here at Just a Ball Game? we are delighted to announce that one of our patrons, FA WSL and Manchester City Ladies Goalkeeper Andie (Andrea) Worrall has made a short list of 3 nominations for the UK Homo Hero-ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARD 2013.          

The voting is now open for the general public to determine who will be the winner and the announcement will be made at an awards ceremony in October. The prestigious award was won for the first time in 2011 by Sir Ian McKellen.

VOTE here: https://www.lgf.org.uk/surveys/index.php?sid=95345&lang=en

We spoke to Andie to congratulate her on the good news and she had this to say: ”I am extremely proud to be a patron of Just A Ball Game? and now also proud to have been nominated for this award.Hopefully with the continued excellent work from organisations such as JBG? we can make positive contributions too lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.”

Andie has made 110 appearances  for current club  Manchester City Ladies F.C.  and also has 6 International caps under her belt  playing for Wales. She is currently the only 'out' in public LGB&T player in the game at elite level in the UK. Andie is involved with ‘Just A Ball Game?’ as one of their Patrons, doing interviews and photo shoots, who aim to use this work as part of an education package in the near future. It is hoped that by being involved in this type of work for a not-foot-profit voluntary community organisation like Just a Ball Game? Andie will be helping to raise awareness around LGB&T participation and inclusion and gender identity in football and also challenge homophobia.

See more on JBG? and Andie here: http://www.justaballgame.co.uk/patrons/andy-worrall


 @justaballgame

 justaballgame.co.uk

FAIR PLAY? RESPECT? any chance of the FA doing what they preach?- DOUBT IT!

              A short run down of the women's game here in the UK for those who are alien too it.

1895 Is deemed to be to year of the first ever ladies game on record with North beating South 7-1.
1920 Is according to the FA when the first ever International fixture took place,Dick Kerr Ladies v Paris with a 2-1 score and 25,000 in attendance.
1920 See's the record attendance for a women's game when 53,000 watched Dick Kerr Ladies beat St Helen's Ladies 4-0.( Hot shot Lilly Parr (who lived with her partner Mary, but was very reserved about this and her sexuality) is on record as scoring 967 career goals, and at aged just 14 netting 43 times in her first season for DKL!)
1921 The FA decide to BAN women from playing on football league grounds stating: "The game of football is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged."
1969 The Women's FA is formed with 44 member clubs.
1971 The FA Council lift the ban on women playing on FL grounds.
1972 The first ever official women's International game in UK takes place when England beat Scotland 3-2.
1983 Women's teams are invited to have same affiliation as County FA's.
2007 The dominance of the English women's game sees Arsenal also triumph in Europe as the first ever UK winners of the UEFA  Women's Cup (now the Champions League).
2011 The formation of the elite Women's Super League.

Doncaster Belles have been part of the transformation in women's football since 1969 and have been one of the elite top teams(second only to Arsenal in recent times) for over 20 years in which they have won over 20 league and cup titles.The Belles are and have been in the current WSL set up since its inception in 2011, and 1 game into this season the FA say they will not be granted a license to play in WSL for 2014!

The FA introduced the new 'Game Changer' initiative to take women's football to a more stronger footing  for 2014-18  with a new 4 year license for teams and in doing so stated the whole selection system would be open and transparent, and will be conducted by both Independent and FA reps.The ere would also be a new ground grading system in place, WSL1 teams had to have ground grading 'C' and  WSL 2 grading 'd' and 'e' as a criteria to be met.

 So we are now seeing the reasons behind why, Doncaster Rovers Belles Ladies FC have had their appeal turned down and face relegation from the top division in the English women's game.It's difficult enough to take in the relegation for the girls themselves, the club and the fans, but the reasons why, are well disappointing to say the least.
What is this reason,we believe its the fact that the Belles are 3rd in line behind the men's team and RL team in booking a fixture at the Keepmoat! 

 And the FA have also not given two hoots about the effect on the women's game as a whole, its hardly giving the game the help, back up and support it deserves by making a mockery of the promotion and relegation systems, clubs achieve on merit.
Also other clubs notably Manchester City Ladies FC who have been given the thumbs up in the Belles absence.

What's it got to do with 'City Ladies' you may ask? Well they are under fire from criticism from all around for simply been given the status of one of the 8 teams who will kick off the WSL 1 in 2014 in place of Doncaster RLFC, due to the fact that Manchester City mens team have a financial backer who is one of the richest people in the world, and want to dominate and control football with this wealth, except this isn't at all,its very different from how it seems from the outside.
A number of fans are feeling that dominance in the mens game in recent years with titles and trophies,has given the Ladies team an advantage.But, this is simply not the case.

The Ladies team at Manchester City have to go through the same pitfalls as any other of the women's teams, the main one being they have not even earned a wage for playing under such a prestigious footballing name, and sign on fees, home and away kit, boots for the season sees them as individuals pay out a minimum of £250 a season just for the basics to play.

Then,as do all but those centrally contracted players who are on International duties, who have a semi-pro wage they have to work full time during the week to earn a living,and fit in as much training as they can giving up their spare time, social engagements, and family life in the lead up to a fixture to ensure they are at their best.Then return home from away fixtures well gone midnight early doors next day, and try get some sleep before dawn and back to the reality of a full time job.
Training also is on the certain nights allocated to them when the 'city' first team, reserves, academy etc are not using the facilities.Oh and don't forget the training kits,they either have to buy themselves to fit properly, or use XL size hand me downs and there have been no such luxuries as a bench coat for you if substituted.
Hardly a glamorous life style of an elite athlete associated with their MCFC male counterparts is it?
Not to mention poor conditions of digs they have to stay in at certain away matches, and the cramped old bus that transports them about the country, with bags and balls and training gear stopping the spare wheel rolling up and down!

It time the FA grew some and ensured that the dealings around  the women's game in England is open and transparent,and given the Fair Play and Respect due,the shenanigans at present reflect on all in the game, and its hardly the best way to encourage new fans and future stars of the our beautiful game.

Lindsay England.


To read the FA document on WSL 2014-18 use this link.
http://www.thefa.com/News/2012/dec/~/media/C59A214D19F44A42AD0475172F422B41.ashx

justaballgame.co.uk
@justaballgame

Anton Hysen Liverpool born gay football player, joins Just a Ball Game?- MEDIA RELEASE

    

 ANTON  HYSEN  joins JUST A BALL GAME? as Patron and Role Model.-MEDIA RELEASE.

Today we at Just A Ball Game? are very excited to announce  that  Liverpool  born  and current Swedish 3^rd division player  Anton Hysen has agreed to team up  with our campaign and activist organisation  as a Patron and Role Model.

The out and proud gay man announced himself on the scene back in March 2011 when he gave an interview to Sweden’s Football magazine’ Offside’ and became only the 2^nd player in football history still playing the game to talk of his sexuality publicly.

He immediately asked questions like, “Where is everyone else?” continuing “I am sure of who I am, I was born this way, I have nothing to hide.” He stated that, ”Mostly everyone around me is really positive, I am hopeful this will mean others can do the same.”

On his announcement team mate Niklas Tidshoard says" It should not be an issue but it is, it's been tough for Anton,half of the team knew before,but the dressing room is a very hard place, there are many jokes about playing like a man."

Anton said “I am very happy to be a role model for young LGBT people through becoming a Patron of Just a Ball Game?

Speaking of the news fellow JBG? Patron and former Sunderland FC player Kieron Brady said, “ As a Patron of Just a Ball Game I would like to extend a warm welcome to Anton.

 With his profile being raised in these shores it will hopefully act as a catalyst to all relevant parties to stop trying to suppress this abnormality that sees us with so many male professional players but none who are openly Gay or Bi-sexual."

With Anton joining the JBG? team we now have 2 current playing  LGBT people as our Patrons and Role Models,said Lindsay England,the other being Manchester City Ladies  and former Wales International goalkeeper Andie (Andrea) Worrall.

Speaking this week Anton says, " At the end of the day, all that matters is what you can achieve on the pitch,not outside of it! Anyone can play regardless of if you are gay."

For more information on Just A Ball Game? or to support us by purchasing our t-shirts or banners please visit our website: justaballgame.co.uk or follow us on twitter : @justaballgame

Lindsay England.