Exeter City have been nominated for a prestigious Football v Homophobia Award, which recognises the work of clubs, organisations, groups and individuals who have been making a difference to LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.
The club have been nominated as 'Best Professional Club' at the awards ceremony, which takes place in Manchester on Friday, February 23.
City will be up against Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United!
The Professional Game Award recognises professional football clubs who have shown dedication to improving the landscape of football for LGBTQ+ people, and who have worked to create better inclusion and participation of LGBTQ+ people over the past year. The Professional Club Award is for clubs in League Two or higher (English Football League and Premier League), and is not for individuals or supporters clubs. Clubs nominated have tried to integrate LGBTQ+ inclusion into the foundations of the club. Professional clubs could have, for example;
- Publicly supported LGBTQ+ people at games, on social media channels or through work with players or fans
- Worked with internal staff or players to help them gain a better understanding of the issues around LGBTQ+ inclusion in football
- Taken part in the Month of Action, Trans Week of Action, Rainbow Laces or engaged in other similar campaigns
- Engaged with or supported an LGBTQ+ supporter’s group
- Worked with LGBTQ+ communities through a Foundation
Craig Bratt, Exeter City Media Officer said: "It is a real honour to have been nominated for a football v Homophobia award, and even more so to be up against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United who have the global reach and resources. We are a small team of staff, volunteers, and supporters who all share the same goal to make sure equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of what we do."
Alan Quick, founder of Proud Grecians added: "We are thrilled to be nominated for our long term support of FvH. We believe we do great work in equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside the club, Isca Apollo and Exeter Pride. We are in wonderful company alongside Arsenal and Manchester United!"