Derby County Community Trust has launched its newest project in line with this weekend’s PUMA Rainbow Ball activation - which is recognising LGBT History Month.

Pride Park Pride will run football and social sessions for members of the LGBTQ+ community to ensure there is a safe space for everyone to play football, gain confidence and bring the community together, providing the opportunity to socialise, chat and enjoy football.

“It felt as though there was a gap in programmes offered locally with a specific focus on sport, in particular football, for the LGBTQ+ community. I raised this within the Trust and immediately was given the full back of the team, and the funding to pilot these sessions.

It’s so important for members of the community to feel welcomed by football clubs, especially one that is the size of Derby County. The more we can do to increase the visibility of some of the issues faced by members of the community then the more we can combat these issues.

The EFL and PUMA’s Rainbow Ball activation is hugely important in this visualisation and it’s great to see the backing that all clubs are giving it.”

Josh Wing | Marketing and Communications Officer, Derby County Community Trust

To help get the project up and running, a one-of session was held at the club's training facilities at Moor Farm, with future sessions being planned for a local venue very soon.

''It’s been great to support Josh with this project, bringing together LGBTQ+ people who enjoy football.

We’re proud to show our commitment of our club and community trust support towards the LGBTQ+ community, and this is another step of the journey towards further inclusion.''

Amelia Jones | EDI Lead, Derby County Community Trust & Derby County

The wider commitment from the EFL through this weekend’s brand-new PUMA ball represents the League’s commitment to the entire LGBTQ+ community, and their active support of inclusion in football.

The ball’s design includes the rainbow and progress colours and has been maximised to be more visible to supporters in the ground or watching on TV. The aims of the campaign are to open conversations and raise awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ people from the elite level through to grassroots.

Pride Park Pride sessions will consist social and football session and will be free of charge, with all abilities welcomed. 

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