Milwall Romans call for more LGBT+ inclusive teams
It comes as the squad launch their 'Pride Playbook'
The LGBT+ football squad- the Millwall Romans - is urging Premier League and EFL clubs to establish and support LGBTQ+-inclusive teams.
It comes as the side cite recent research, which shows 41% of UK football fans believe clubs in the top four leagues should have a dedicated LGBTQ+ team, a sentiment echoed by 83% within the LGBTQ+ community.
The campaign coincides with the launch of the Pride Playbook, which aims to guide clubs in integrating LGBTQ+ inclusive teams by providing a clear framework for such integration.
The findings also reveal misconceptions among LGBTQ+ fans and allies, with nearly 70% believing that three or more clubs already have an LGBTQ+ team, despite this being far from reality.
Millwall FC is a frontrunner, actively supporting Millwall Romans and Millwall Pride, setting a benchmark within their Community Trust framework.
From an economic standpoint, the research indicates potential growth in matchday revenue for football clubs.
About 65% of UK LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to attend games if clubs engage in LGBTQ+ initiatives, potentially unlocking up to £428 million in additional annual revenue.
However, homophobia still shadows stadiums, with 81% of LGBTQ+ fans reporting experiences of homophobic behaviour.
Jon Holmes from Football v Homophobia emphasized that the Pride Playbook serves as a practical tool for clubs to instigate meaningful change. "Millwall FC has shown how to achieve this," Holmes said, "and is reaping the rewards."
Paul Loding, Chairman and Manager at Millwall Romans, highlighted the importance of inclusive teams: "There is no question that inclusive teams are vital to the future of football. It is important to adopt a culture where players and fans feel a genuine sense of safety and belonging.
"When a club fully integrates an LGBTQ+ team, it sends a powerful message that the game is truly for everyone, providing the visibility needed to challenge outdated prejudices.
"We need this level of commitment across the board to ensure that inclusion isn't just a one-off event, but a permanent, protected part of the footballing community."
You can read the Playbook here.