Kick It Out ambassador to take Devon Lions training session

Wednesday 7 Dec 2011
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Exeter City striker and Kick It Out ambassador John O’Flynn is running a training session at Devon Lions, Devon’s first and only gay-friendly football club, this Sunday (11 December).

The Lions, who represent Devon in the Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN) league, formed in February 2009 and since then has provided a non-judgemental environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and heterosexual players to enjoy playing football.

Looking forward to taking charge of the session, O’Flynn said: “Football should be about bringing people together whatever their backgrounds. Let’s help make Exeter City a true community club, welcoming to all, be it young or old, black or white, male or female, gay or straight, disabled or able-bodied, with faith or without. As the saying goes – united we stand; divided we fall.”

Richard Cowell, Devon Lions Secretary, said: “This is such a fantastic step forward to have a Football League club helping make a stance against the homophobic prejudice still seen in the game.  Exeter City have been incredibly welcoming of our prospect and cause and it sets an example to the rest of footballing world: That we can make a stand against the abuse regularly seen at clubs up and down the country”.

The training session, which will be held in Exeter, has been organised by Exeter City’s One Game, One Community group, which operates under the umbrella of Exeter City’s Supporter’s Trust.

The aims of the group are to address all strands of equality including race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. The group works closely with Exeter City FC and its Community Trust to promote a positive and inclusive outlook.

Devon Lions are always on the lookout for new players, supporters or volunteers, so no matter how experienced you are, you will be made to feel welcome. To find out more, please contact the club via committee@devonlionsfc.co.uk.

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"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
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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

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