FOOTBALLERS across Oxfordshire are playing in rainbow laces to support a campaign for LGBT+ equality and inclusion in sport.

The campaign created by charity Stonewall is one that has achieved huge support across all levels of football, with players, coaches, referees and volunteers at all levels sporting the trademark rainbow laces in games during the weeks of action.

This year’s Rainbow Laces Day will take place tomorrow.

Oxford Mail:

To enable as many players, teams and officials to showcase their support for Rainbow Laces, Oxfordshire FA has delivered over 200 pairs of rainbow-coloured laces, to enable teams in the county to wear them in fixtures during the campaign.

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Nigel Saverton, Education, Safeguarding & Referee Support Manager at Oxfordshire FA, said: “Sport in general should be enjoyed by everybody and anybody who wishes to take part – and in the case of football, this is a message that Oxfordshire FA is fully supportive of and passionate about promoting.

Oxford Mail:

“We’re proud to back Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign and are delighted to have a number of players, leagues and officials involved.

"Football is a game for all and I’d encourage as many people involved in all levels of football across the county to show their support to help eradicate discrimination and promote inclusion for our LGBT+ community.”

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Over the course of the campaign, players from teams including Rose Hill Youth, Summertown Stars Ladies and Greater Leys will all be sporting the laces, while parents and supporters are also being encouraged to wear as much rainbow colour as possible.

Oxford Mail:

Hinksey Park Football Club’s game on Sunday, a victory which would see the team win the autumn league title, will feature the team wearing Stonewall’s rainbow laces.

In addition, 75 pairs of laces have been provided to the Oxford Mail Girls’ Football League, with all players set to wear them.

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Goring United’s men’s and women’s teams will be highlighting the campaign through two Rainbow Laces fixtures.

The ladies’ Thames Valley County Women’s League Plate fixture against Great Linford on Sunday will be one of the games.

Oxford Mail:

Throughout the Rainbow Laces campaign, Oxfordshire FA will be sharing posts on social media where clubs, leagues and volunteers have showcased their support.

Any leagues, clubs or players wishing to show support for the Rainbow Laces campaign can do so by visiting stonewall.org.uk, where pairs of laces can be ordered.

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All participants are encouraged to share content of what they’re doing to back Rainbow Laces via Oxfordshire FA’s social media platforms, using the hashtag #RainbowLaces and mentioning @OxfordshireFA on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

The Oxfordshire FA is responsible for governing and developing football in the county and is based in Witney.