Tomorrow’s match against Oxford is dedicated to fighting homophobia and promoting a message of Football For All as part of Football v Homophobia’s month of action.
The game is the second year Charlton have dedicated a matchday to the cause, following last season’s game against Scunthorpe United.
The League One match will be supported by Charlton’s LGBTQI+ supporters’ group, the Proud Valiants, Charlton Athletic Community Trust, the University of Greenwich, the Hadlow Group and CACT Invicta, the first club, trust-affiliated LGBTQI+ friendly football team.
Activity includes:
- A photographic exhibition by lifelong Charlton fan, University of Greenwich alum Tom Dingley
- Pre-match pitchside interviews with representatives from the Proud Valiants, CACT Invicta and more
- Rainbow corner flags
- A column in the matchday programme from Chairperson of the Proud Valiants Rob Harris
- Rainbow laces to be given out in the Family Activity Zone
- Content on the big screen on the work of Charlton Athletic and the Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s commitment to making football open to all
As part of the ongoing relationship between the Hadlow Group and Charlton Athletic Football Club, 18 table arrangements and two pedestal arrangements are being produced by the floristry students of Hadlow College for use in the sponsors’ lounge.
The Proud Valiants will also host members of The Proud Ox, Oxford United’s LGBTQI+ supporters group.
Chairperson of the Proud Valiants Rob Harris said of Saturday’s game: “At Charlton we have some of the best fans in the country and we’ve received great support. However, it’s not the case in all clubs. The way many clubs are now taking a stance of zero tolerance is great.”
CACT Invicta Player/Manager Gary Ginnaw said: “It’s a great cause, you know it makes such a massive difference in this day and age. Homophobia is still a massive issue in football, and obviously being a part of the Proud Valiants, we are keen to support everything that Charlton, the Proud Valiants does and the Community Trust do, so we are very happy to be taking part on Saturday.”
Head of Sports Strategy at the University of Greenwich Marianne Boyle said: “The University of Greenwich is a stonewall university, we’ve got our own LGBT+ group working at the university, it’s something that we hold very dear to our hearts and are very proud of to be involved in.
“We’ve got a very strong partnership with Charlton Athletic here as well, so it was just natural to get involved in this and help support the actual day on February 3rd.”
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