LGBTQ+ football fans will take on Sheffield United in a charity match

Spectators are encouraged to attend the special match at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane on Saturday 25th May, kick-off 12pm; fixture is in support of Sheffield United Community Foundation’s Empower LGBT+ project…

By Sports Media LGBT+

Sheffield United’s official LGBTQ+ and allied supporters group, the Rainbow Blades, will be holding their annual United for All charity match on Saturday 25th May.

For the first time, the match will be played at Bramall Lane. The event is in support of Sheffield United Community Foundation’s Empower LGBT+ project.

The Rainbow Blades are a friendly, welcoming and inclusive group of fans working to make Bramall Lane and wider football a safe space for all – a place where everyone can be their authentic self.

May 25 match day teams will be made up of Rainbow Blades members and allies. There will be a mix of genders, sexualities and football skills, all united by one goal – eliminating LGBT+ discrimination.

Everyone is invited to be a part of this special event. Tickets are just £6 and must be purchased online in advance. All proceeds will go to Sheffield United Community Foundation’s Empower LGBT+ project.

James Laleyfounder and chairman of the Rainbow Blades, said: “We are over the moon to be hosting our charity match at Bramall Lane for the first time.

“Having the opportunity to take this event to the next level and stage it on a professional football pitch is a huge moment.

“It is such an important initiative that the community foundation is running and we wanted to play our part in making sure the program can continue into next season and beyond.

“I’m proud because we’re providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ members to play at Bramall Lane, but also for our allies, plus spectators who may be stepping into a professional stadium for the first time. I look forward to welcoming the fans to Lane!”

On the day, the turnstiles will open at 10.30 and the players’ warm-up will start at 11.00. The launch starts at 12:00 and the medal presentations will take place just before 2:00 p.m., before the teams and spectators make their way to the official Rainbow Blades venue, Lykke.

Sheffield United Community Foundation’s Empower LGBT+ project aims to enable the LGBT+ community to be more active and feel stronger and more confident in their ability to succeed in sport and physical activity, whilst reducing LGBT+ discrimination and helping LGBT+ people to they feel like they belong in Steel City.

Project leader Ellie Wilson said: “All of us at the Community Foundation are delighted to be working with Rainbow Blades for the annual charity match.

“Having this game at Bramall Lane is a brilliant indicator of how far we have come as a club and as a collective in celebrating diversity in our community.

“In previous years this event has been a great celebration of our LGBT+ community and proved to be a really fun day out, so we’re looking forward to making some more memories, but this time in the beautiful Bramall Lane Centre!”

More information and tickets available here.

Sports Media LGBT+ is a network, advocacy and advisory group that helps build a community of LGBTQ+ people and allies in sports. We are also a digital publisher and can assist you with your content requirements. Learn more about us here.

We are interested in your news and stories. Share with us and reach a global audience through our Google News affiliate site, which attracts thousands of visitors, and our popular social channels. Contact us to discuss how we can help.