Exeter City Football Club says 'no' to homophobia

Exeter City FC will be saying 'no' to homophobia this Friday (15th February) at their evening match at home against Accrington Stanley (kick off 7.45pm).

The game is the club's annual designated 'Football v Homophobia' match. Backed by the Supporters' Trust, City's One Game One Community group is once again teaming up with the Devon Lions, the local gay friendly football side, and The Justin Campaign to help counter homophobic prejudice in the game.

Guillem Bauza, Exeter's One Game One Community ambassador has welcomed the initiative. "I am very happy to support Exeter City in saying no to homophobia in football. Players and supporters should be free to be themselves. Our goal must be mutual respect".

And in a separate diversity initiative at the match the spotlight will also be put on disability issues with a special visit by three local members of the GB Blind Football Paralympics Team. Robin Williams, Keryn Seal and Dan James are the guests at a pre match gathering supported by Devon law firm Kitsons and co-ordinated by City’s Football in the Community Trust.

Exeter City’s work on equality and diversity has been widely recognised and a reflection of this is that the Club has been chosen as a Regional host for one of the national Kick It Out campaign’s Raise Your Game workshops.

The event at the University of Exeter on Sunday 24 February (1-5pm) will provide a free opportunity for aspiring coaches, managers and administrators to develop their skills.

Iffy Onuora, former Huddersfield Town, Sheffield United and Swindon Town striker, will be on hand to deliver a coaching masterclass. The former Ethiopia national team manager, now working for the Professional Footballers’ Association, will be joined by Kick It Out and Exeter City representatives.

Anyone interested in more details or helping the One Game One Community group can make contact at: kickitout@exetercityfc.co.uk