Grimsby Town Football Club will play with the English Football League (EFL) and PUMA’s Rainbow Ball in our fixture against Carlisle United on 8th February 2025.

Earlier this month, EFL and PUMA revealed the Rainbow Ball for the second year running to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and serve as a reminder that football is for everyone.

Last year, PUMA donated more than £16,000 to a LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund to help LGBTQ+ supporter groups raise more awareness and support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.

This year, for every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball across the Championship, League One and League Two fixtures from 6-17 February, PUMA will once again donate money to Football v Homophobia. This will support the charity’s ongoing work in tackling discrimination in this area.

“Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is proud to be play a part in making the game more inclusive and welcoming for all our supporters,” said Mariners Chief Executive Polly Bancroft.
“Playing with the Rainbow Ball highlights our commitment to our LGBTQ+ community and lets them know they are an important part of our Club.

“Working alongside the EFL and our players, staff and supporters, we strive to ensure that Blundell Park is welcoming place for everyone as we stand Together Against Homophobia.

“The Club are always looking for ways to support fans and make Blundell Park a safe and welcoming place for all. If you would like to get involved with inclusive activities, please contact us by emailing [email protected].”

The EFL and EFL Clubs will take swift and firm action against anyone identified as being responsible for discriminatory language and behaviour, working with the relevant authorities to ensure perpetrators face club sanctions and potentially police action, alongside the offer of education.

Trevor Birch, EFL Chief Executive Officer, added: “The EFL has an important role to play in ensuring our g a m e is representative of and welcoming to all the communities we represent.”

“The Rainbow ball stands as representation of our work with Clubs throughout the season and is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and that we stand proudly together against homophobia.”

The Club operates a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination of any sort and anyone found to be in breach of this rule will face punishment.

For information about how to report discrimination, click here.

UTM