New Milton Town Ladies FC show there’s no place for discrimination

NEW MILTON TOWN Ladies U15s have taken part in a Europe-wide initiative to support Football v Homophobia during the month of February.

FvH is a campaign uniting football in opposing homophobia and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in football.

Good cause

The New Milton girls showed their support for the campaign before their Southampton Cup semi-final against Romsey Town at Fawcetts Field last Saturday.

It was an opportunity for Linnets supporters and friends to get behind the campaign and show everyone that New Milton Town Ladies is no place for hate of bigotry.

Visitors Romsey were supportive of the event, with players from both teams signing pledges promising to uphold the initiative and welcome all to the sport.

New Milton Town dominate

On the pitch, New Milton Town won the game 6-0 with goals from Pitman (3), White (2) and Exley.

The Linnets girls will now meet Eastleigh in the final next month at AFC Totton.

Linnets Ladies manager Lou Fern said : “In the past few months polls have shown that whilst football fans would be more accepting than ever of a gay player in their team, as many as 72% of football fans have heard homophobic abuse at football matches.

“Using anti-LGBT language towards someone because they don’t like the way they play football, manage a team, or make a refereeing decision is wrong. It’s against the Laws of the Game and can be a criminal offence, but most importantly, it can make football intimidating and unpleasant for fellow players, managers, match officials and spectators.

“At New Milton Town Ladies we believe we can make a real difference to the culture of football. The Club will work to create a safe and inclusive football environment where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions are welcome.

Find out more about the campaign visit www.footballvhomophobia.com