The UK government’s Charter Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Sport got a new endorsement earlier this month when Hyde FC became the first Blue Square Bet North football club to sign the charter. That in turn earned the club the first Manchester Credit Union monthly equality award.

From Lindsay England at the Just A Ball Game? blog:

The UK government’s Charter Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Sport got a new endorsement earlier this month when Hyde FC became the first Blue Square Bet North football club to sign the charter. That in turn earned the club the first Manchester Credit Union monthly equality award.

From Lindsay England at the Just A Ball Game? blog:

A little bit of history was made [on Dec. 5, 2011] at Ewen Fields when Hyde FC become the first Blue Square Bet North football club to officially sign up to the Government ‘charter against homophobia and transphobia in sport’ after their 4-1 home win against Eastwood.

The Tigers pride themselves on being very much a community club and they welcomed Lindsay England from football’s LGBT campaigning organization JUST A BALL GAME? as a guest for the home fixture, and Manager Gary Lowe and player Gianluca Haveren were more than happy to add a signature to the charter committing the club to challenging homophobia and taking a zero tolerance to any anti-gay abuse or chanting within the game.

The club have also stated they will look at hosting a celebrity match or training session and invite LGBT players to attend to help celebrate LGBT History Month in February of next year.

Until stepping down early this year former Director of Hyde FC, Julie Whitehead was the only ‘out’ lesbian involved in the semi-professional game in a senior managerial role, showing Hyde FC are one of the most inclusive teams in the country.

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