How an LGBTQ+ Football Supporters’ Group Alliance is Bringing Rival Fans Together

Football is well-known for cross-city rivalries, with two-club cities such as Sheffield having a clear divide. However, when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion, United and Wednesday fans – along with representatives from other local clubs – are working together to ensure LGBTQ+ supporters feel safe and welcome at games.

Rainbow Blades founder James Laley proposed the idea of a regional LGBTQ+ football supporters’ group alliance earlier this year, reaching out to groups affiliated to clubs in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. So far Rainbow Owls, along with Marching Out Together (Leeds United), Proud Stags (Mansfield Town), Rainbow Spireites (Chesterfield), Proud Forest (Nottingham Forest) and Proud Millers (Rotherham United) have joined the network and further LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups from the region are welcome.

Rainbow Blades founder James Laley (centre)

“The purpose of the regional alliance is to share best practice, offer peer-to-peer support, organise joint events and empower each member group to reach their full potential,” explains James. “From experience, over the last three years, it can be challenging to run an LGBTQ+ football supporters’ group. It opens you up to hate, and we are all volunteers who do this in our own time. We also know it comes with its rewards. Those rewards aren’t just personal growth within society and the world of football, but also, and most importantly, the positive effects that these groups have had on the landscape of football for a diverse, inclusive and modern world.”

Chris Ledger founded Rainbow Owls earlier this year and feels the experience of longer-established members of the alliance can contribute to shaping the group, stating, “Having other LGBTQ+ contacts, who have different insights and objectives, will help Rainbow Owls to learn more and provide us with greater context, particularly as to how an LGBTQ+ supporters’ group should be run in a credible and professional manner.”

Members of Rainbow Blades and Rainbow Owls have already teamed up for an evening at The Treehouse board game café, with more joint social events in the pipeline over the coming months.

Words by Katey Lovell