We are proud to mark the EFL’s Rainbow Ball campaign (20 Feb – 1 Mar) as part of Football v Homophobia’s Month of Action, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring football is a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.
Working With the Mariners Trust
As part of our local activation, we are working closely with the Mariners Trust to deliver a number of initiatives:
- Designing a bespoke rainbow flag, featuring the Club crest and the message “All Town Aren’t We”, which will be displayed in the Pontoon.
- Presenting a signed Rainbow Ball to a local community group, with the Trust funding both the ball and display case.
- Exploring opportunities to connect with local LGBTQ+ groups to better understand how we can continue making matchdays more inclusive and welcoming.
Foundation Inclusion Workshops in Local Schools
As part of the Month of Action, Grimsby Town Foundation has been delivering inclusion workshops in local schools, reinforcing the message that football is for everyone.
Sessions have recently taken place at Nunsthorpe School, where pupils explored themes around respect, allyship and challenging discrimination, both in sport and in everyday life.
The workshops were joined by Men’s First Team player Doug Tharme, who spoke to students about the importance of inclusion within football and the responsibility everyone shares in creating welcoming environments. His involvement helped bring the campaign message to life, giving young people the opportunity to engage directly with a professional player about the values that underpin the game.
By working with schools across the community, the Foundation continues to use football as a platform to educate, inspire and promote positive change – ensuring the next generation understands that the game truly belongs to everyone.
Rainbow Ball Returns
The Mariners are supporting the return of the EFL PUMA Rainbow Ball, which will feature across all Sky Bet EFL fixtures again this weekend.
The Rainbow Ball is a powerful symbol of inclusion, unity and pride, representing the collective commitment of the EFL and its 72 Clubs to stand Together Against Homophobia.
Last season, goals scored with the Rainbow Ball saw PUMA donate £10,000 to Football v Homophobia to support education and inclusion work. This season, PUMA will once again donate for every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball across the Championship, League One and League Two – further supporting programmes that challenge discrimination and promote understanding throughout the game.
A Clear Message
Homophobia has no place in football. Anyone found guilty of homophobic abuse, whether inside a stadium or online, could face serious sanctions, including stadium bans and legal prosecution. The Club will always take swift and firm action against discriminatory behaviour and work closely with relevant authorities where necessary.
Supporters play a vital role in creating an inclusive matchday environment. If you witness homophobic or discriminatory behaviour, please report it via the Club’s reporting channels, through Kick It Out, or by alerting a steward.
How to report an incident
We are committed to tackling incidents relating to discrimination or inappropriate behaviour in order to reduce the incidence of such occurrences.
If you encounter a ‘hate crime’ – any incident that the victim or anyone else thinks was motivated by hostility or prejudice based on one of the personal characteristics outlined above – you can report it immediately by clicking here, filling out the online form or email slo@gtfc.co.uk.
If you are attending any home matchdays and you have received or been witness to, or have any concerns about any hate incident, you can report it immediately texting 07926 575610 and contact our Matchday Safeguarding Officer, Vikki Harries.
Kick it Out also provide a reporting app, which allows supporters the ability to attach video, photo and audio evidence to complaints to help support investigations into discriminatory abuse and behaviour. Click here to visit the Kick It Out website or download their app for free from the Apple App store or from Google Play.
Please note that reported acts of disciplinary conduct by the Club’s supporters are also highly likely to lead to formal disciplinary action by the FA.
Grimsby Town stands proudly alongside the EFL, players, staff, supporters and the Mariners Trust in celebrating diversity and championing a game where everyone feels they belong.
UTM