Key Information
Sport has an amazing power to bring people together. Following and taking part can give us community, energy and a sense of belonging. That’s why we all need to play our part to make sport everyone’s game.
Scottish Student Sport has been working with LEAP Sports Scotland to assist in the drive for greater inclusion for LGBTIQ+ people in sport and against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. Each year SSS celebrates and advocates members to take part in the Rainbow Laces Campaign #RainbowLaces so students, staff, volunteers and the community can show their support for inclusion.
LGBT History Month & Football v Homophobia Month of Action – 2023
During the month of February the student sport community have an opportunity to highlight the club culture they have all year round and share messages of support to the LGBTIQ+ community in sport and beyond. Here is some great work from this year;
Aonghus, the student rep from Scottish Student Football Development Group and student at Heriot Watt University shared this message
Scottish Student Futsal showed their support during their Tournament
I’m personally supporting this campaign as it provides opportunities for all within football and tackles discrimination and prejudice based on gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation.
We have four student football clubs who have signed up to be FvH Grassroot Champions in 2023;
- Abertay University Football Club
- Edinburgh Napier Women’s Football Club
- Heriot Watt Football Club
- University of Edinburgh Football Club
How you can get involved
For a number of years, SSS has encouraged the membership to take part in the annual Rainbow laces campaign around Scottish Varsity. We use this time to raise awareness of the importance of tackling prejudice in sport, and of including LGBTQI+ people, and to try and change attitudes within sport. Don’t forget to share your pictures with #RainbowLaces and tag @ScotStuSport!
To help clubs across Scotland LEAP Sport Scotland pulled together a handy guide full of helpful resources that are available in one place.
Ordering laces – Student groups can buy Rainbow Laces for the discounted rate of £1 via this link. For orders more than 50 pairs, it is cheaper to order in bulk via the Stonewall Shop. Small orders may take up to two weeks – please allow up to a month for orders of up to 100 pairs of laces. If you have any issues with your order, please contact info@stonewallscotland.org.uk
If you wish to learn more about this work, contact SSS’ Inclusion and Culture Coordinator Eilidh.
I encourage individuals and clubs within football across the country to get involved and shout about the campaign as much as possible ad support where you can.