Premier League launches Pride initiative
Education
New LGBTQ+ inclusion education resources are being launched this month for children and young people taking part in community programmes including Premier League Primary Stars, Premier League Kicks and Premier League Inspires. The resources are designed to develop practical skills and spark meaningful conversation on topics including respectful language and how to support the LGBTQ+ community by being a good ally.
Academy players from Under-9s to Under-21s receive education on identity and inclusion. Clubs are also required to deliver mandatory equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) training for staff and players as part of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS), a framework that supports clubs to embed EDI across all areas of their work. Currently, 27 clubs are supported through PLEDIS, with 18 at or working towards the Advanced level.
The League continues to offer year-round LGBTQ+ training, which is a core part of staff development across clubs. Dedicated sessions, workshops and resources are designed to build understanding, confidence and inclusive practice for players, parents and club staff.
This includes working with sector experts on webinars focused on faith and sexuality for Academy and first-team player care staff. The webinars talk through complex interactions around faith, culture, sexuality, acceptance and tolerance in a respectful and safe environment.
Former Premier League player Thomas Hitzlsperger conducted a Q&A at the League’s recent player care annual meeting. This included a discussion on how player care staff can be trusted allies to players.
