This week, Year 8 pupils from seven secondary schools joined a Football v Homophobia event at Staffordshire University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus led by Dr Rebecca House and PGCE Secondary Physical Education students, Chloe Rushton, Luce Tiner and Sophie Howe.
“There are so many people from so many different minority backgrounds who unfortunately are still facing discrimination. We wanted to host a fun day of activities but also share a deeper message about the challenges and issues that people in LGBTQ+ community can face,” Rebecca explained.
“Not only have our PGCE students developed their own knowledge surrounding discrimination, but they are educating the younger generation about to the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.”
Football v Homophobia is an international initiative that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels of football.
The day included educational sessions based on LGBTQ+ inclusion and its importance, with visitors hearing from people who have experienced homophobia in the sport. The children also got creative, designing pride flags for their football teams.
Year 8 pupil Chloe Hamilton from Blessed William Howard Catholic school said: “We are the future generation so if we don’t learn it, we are going to go off and teach our children the wrong things and nothing will change.”
Rico Morgan, from Staffordshire University Academy, added: “It’s quite helpful because you get to hear it from someone's actual point of view, so it helps you understand it a lot more.”
After donning rainbow laces, armbands and face paint the school pupils then took part in a football tournament, followed by an awards ceremony.
PGCE Secondary Physical Education student Sophie Howe commented: “It’s been great giving the children the knowledge and education to understand what homophobia is, how it affects athletes and people playing football. Then the football tournament was a fun way to put what they’ve learned into practice.”
The 22-year-old from Uttoxeter added: “I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s so helpful because as a teacher you’re always going to organise school fixtures and events like this. So, for me it’s been a great experience to organise something on such a big scale so that I know I can do this when I go into a school.”
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