FvH HERO 2023

Sussex Football Unites Against Homophobia

Friendly fixtures held to raise awareness of FvH month

On Saturday we were proud to highlight our continued support for Football.v.Homophobia (FvH) during their month of action, by organising and participating in two friendly matches at Newhaven Football Club. 

FvH is a campaign that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football.

For this, our thirteenth season working with FvH, we fielded a team of our staff, friends and sponsors, to take on Brighton LGBTQ+ Sports Society (BLAGSS) in the self-identifying males game, and take part in a self-identifying females kickabout. 

However, the day began off the pitch, with an Equality Workshop held by our Development Manager, Jade Harker, to help raise awareness of issues of equality at grassroots clubs. 

The course gave coaches and club members the opportunity for them to look and see how they can help make their clubs more inclusive and welcoming.

Following the conclusion of the workshop it was time for the teams to take to the pitch.

In the self-identifying males game, it was a truly back and forth contest, with BLAGSS side taking the lead, before we levelled before half-time.

The second-half continued in the same competitive yet friendly atmosphere, with our Development Officer, Sean Lofting, giving us the lead with a well taken free-kick, before BLAGSS equalised with 10 minutes to go. 

Penalties awaited, and for both teams the keepers were the difference, making a collection of fine saves between them; yet it was Andy Redhead between the sticks for Sussex who saved the crucial spot-kick.

In the self-identifying females kick-about that followed, teams of 7-a-side took to the pitch and produced a thoroughly entertaining game, which saw Sussex just edge a 2-1 victory against the side representing FvH.

Alongside the awareness raised for the FvH campaign, all proceeds from the day were also donated to MindOut, an LGBTQ+ mental health charity.

FvH Thumbnail 2023
Football.v.Homophobia Event 2023
We were proud to highlight our support for the Football.v.Homophobia (FvH) month of action with two friendly matches, against Brighton LGBTQ+ Sports Society (BLAGSS) and a self-identifying females kickabout!

(A selection of photographs can be found on Facebook - courtesy of Kyle Hemsley Photography)

((Video highlights are available above and on YouTube)

For further information about the Football.v.Homophobia campaign please contact FvH:

Football.v.Homophobia
E: info@footballvhomophobia.com