Wolverhampton College Students Tackle Homophobia in Football
Students from The City of Wolverhampton College took to the field last Friday (30 September), in an inter college Six-A-Side college tournament to challenge homophobia in football. The tournament was run in partnership with the Justin Campaign, which was founded to demonstrate misconceptions that exist around Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans (LGBT) people in football.
A total of 12 teams took part with students drawn from a variety of departments across all five of the college’s campuses and a team from The Justin Campaign. The winners of the Six A-Side Justin Campaign Shield were 'Lucky Egg' team from the BTEC Year 1 Extended Diploma in Sport from who beat Public Services Team from in a thrilling 1-0 final.
In the morning a workshop, run by the Justin Campaign was held for Wolverhampton College sports students. The workshop’s aim was to raise the awareness of the damaging impact homophobia can have on LGBT people, and to help develop a greater understanding of the problem.
The Justin Campaign was founded ten years after the death of the first openly gay footballer Justin Fashanu, who tragically committed suicide. The Campaign seeks to educate people using football, art, and events as a platform.
Adam Dwight lecturer in sport at the City of Wolverhampton College said: “This was a very enjoyable event and a great many students took part. More importantly it was an opportunity to raise awareness of a very serious issue, which exists in both amateur and professional football. Hopefully by informing and educating our students, they will respect other people and remember that football is a game that should be enjoyed by everyone on the same terms.”
Jayne Cauldwell, from the Justin Campaign who led the workshop in the morning said: “All the students, regardless of their sexuality have engaged with this project. They understand how damaging homophobia can be. The day was not only about raising awareness but also about having fun and playing football.”
The event was so successful, that is planned to play the Justin Campaign Tournament on a regular basis.
