University of Greenwich Teams Up with Charlton LGBTQ+ Football Team to Promote Inclusivity in Sports
The partnership provides several benefits for both the university and the club through a collaboration of educational initiatives.
One of the leading initiatives is the annual Football vs Homophobia awareness raising campaign and programme of events. The programme exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression, at all levels of football.
Joe Blomfield, University of Greenwich Co-Chair LGBTQ+ Staff Community said:
‘This partnership will be a fantastic opportunity to bring together the staff, students, and the local LGBTQ+ community. Working with Charlton Invicta will enable us to collaborate on key campaigns to reach our shared mission of LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion and I’m really looking forward to working with them further on this.’
Last year’s Football vs Homophobia match saw a host of activities on the day like signed shirt giveaways and pitch-side presentations. In the week leading up to the matches there were free online webinars covering topics such as; ‘trans pride – the lived experience’ and ‘being an ally to your LQBTQI+ kid’.
Dr Michael Seeraj, Head of EDI, Charlton Athletic Football Club and Community Trust said:
‘The partnership with the University of Greenwich has proved invaluable. The UoG support has helped us to increase awareness and understanding about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, as well as providing a safe and welcoming environment, and inclusive culture.’
The collaborative approach to the Football v Homophobia campaign resulted in the series of events being shortlisted for a HEIST award, which recognises excellence and innovation in education marketing.
Gary Ginnaw, Chair of Charlton Invicta FC said:
“We are absolutely delighted to announce our partnership with the University of Greenwich. The UoG have long been huge supporters of Charlton Invicta FC and the work we do on and off the pitch to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.’
The partnership will provide Charlton Invicta with an opportunity to promote themselves to the university’s community as an inclusive team and environment in which to play football.