Rainbow Laces Campaign 2023

Be the Change Lace Up and Speak Up

Alienor Chartier
Hampshire FA is taking part in the 2022 Rainbow Laces Campaign, and we are inviting all local clubs to join us in echoing its message.

The campaign will take place from Monday 21st November to Monday 12th December. The activation dates are linked to the World Cup, to magnify the campaign’s important message.

During this period, we will be celebrating Hampshire FA’s LGBTQ+ communities – those who are part of the Hampshire FA family, whether by coaching, volunteering, watching or playing football; but also, those who have fallen out of love with the game because of the LGBTQ+ phobia and hatred of others on and off the pitch; and those who think that football is not a space where they can be safe. 

Hatred and discrimination have no place in our beautiful game, and we want to reiterate that everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender, is welcome.

At Hampshire FA, we are aware of the many steps left before football truly becomes inclusive of all, but we are happy to say that we are taking everyone within our organisation on the journey - inclusion is everyone's responsibility!

We encourage Clubs to educate their committees, players, and facility users on the benefits of inclusion, the historical oppression of LGBTQ+ communities, and the importance of a zero-tolerance approach to LGBTQ+ phobia.

We hope you’ll show your support by engaging with the campaign throughout this period, so that together, we can make football everyone’s game.

To encourage your organisation to start or continue these discussions, we are offering up to 40 pairs of Rainbow Laces to clubs and colleges who complete our "Rainbow Laces Campaign Activation" Form. The form will close on the 16th of November. Our EDI department will then send the Rainbow Laces to all clubs & colleges who have completed the form so they can be worn during the activation period.

Stonewall’s activation pack (see below) covers everything you need to know about the campaign, along with some useful resources, which you could use when planning your campaign.

To get a chance to be featured on our Rainbow Laces website article, use the hashtag #RainbowLaces on social media or email your content directly.

All are encouraged to wear them to work, take and post pictures to social media, and visibly show their support for LGBTQ+ people in football.

If you’d like help setting up your activation, or have any questions please email, Alienor.Chartier@HampshireFA.com or Tariq.Al-Maskriy@HampshireFA.com.