Birmingham City Ladies first to host JBG? event day

Monday 23 Jun 2014
Back to news >

Birmingham City Ladies will become the first FA WSL team to host a JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) event day.

The FA Women’s Super League (WSL) table toppers Birmingham City Ladies FC (BCLFC) have agreed to be the first elite ladies team to host one of our JBG? event days when they entertain league newcomers Manchester City Ladies at home on 29 June 2014.

“This is a huge step forward in helping to raise the profile of the campaign work we do, and we would like to thank BCLFC in being the first WSL team to take this forward.” said JBG? female co-chair Ann Morgan.

Before the game supporters attending the game will be able to view a section of our ever-extending pop-up exhibition, pick up some of our resources and have their photos taken with JBG? mascot Castro, who will also be in attendance.

The club have agreed to fly a rainbow flag for the game and all other home games following to show their support and inclusion of a Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community, and in doing so become only the fourth club in the UK to do so alongside Bradford City, Hyde FC and AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

“Many of the women and young girls who play the game identify as being LGBT and this is a great statement for BCLFC to take on board and visibly recognise our community showing acceptance and respect which is all we can ask for,” said JBG? founder Lindsay England. “We already have Manchester City keeper and 2013 LGBT Role Model of the Year Andie Worrall signed up as one of our patrons, and several months ago we were approached by a group of friends in the Manchester area who love playing football and they have now become our official JBG? Ladies Futsal Team, the only out and proud LGBT Futsal team in the country, so it would be great to think that this event day to raise awareness around LGBT issues and challenge what is seen as homophobia or anti-gay will only inspire more teams to be involved with our campaign work.”

Blues Ladies captain Karen Carney said about teaming up with JBG? to host the event day, “We are excited about our upcoming fixture against Manchester City and it is also a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the campaign work that “Just a Ball Game?” do.

“It is important that they continue highlighting diversity within football and putting a stop to homophobia at grass roots level through to the professional game.”

The game will be played at BCLFC home ground, Solihull Moors Autotech Stadium with a 2pm kick off.

 

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

Archives

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010