Leeds United are delighted to announce the club picked up the Professional Game Award at the Football v Homophobia Awards, following the recent nomination made by our friends at Marching Out Together.
The sixth annual Football v Homophobia Awards took place on Friday evening (7th March) in Scotland at the iconic Òran Mór venue with representatives from the club and our official LGBTQ+ supporter’s group both in attendance.
The Professional Game Award, sponsored by the EFL, was the first presentation of the evening, with the club only shortlisted for the awards for the first time this season. Leeds United were up against Leicester City and Coventry City in the category, with the Whites taking home the top prize of the night in acknowledgement of the club’s wide range of inclusion initiatives.
This award recognises the strong relationship that has been built with Marching Out Together over the last few years, with the club working closely with members of the fan group on annual campaigns, staff and supporter education, messaging online and around the stadium and any other necessary work as we aim to fight against homophobia and all other forms of discrimination out of football, ensuring Elland Road is a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all supporters.
Angus Kinnear, CEO at Leeds United Football Club, said: “Everyone at the club is incredibly proud that not only were we shortlisted at the distinguished Football v Homophobia Awards, but that we went on to win in the Professional Game category, up against some tremendous competition.
"I am particularly proud of all the team at Marching Out Together whose energy, commitment and pragmatism have been central to everything that has been achieved. Our partnership with them has shown how powerful change can be created when club and supporters work together.
"Marching Out Together's LGBTQ+ engagement initiatives, training and educational opportunities have helped to make Elland Road a place where all supporters feel welcome to come and support the team.!
Andrew Tilly, Co-Founder of Marching Out Together, added: “It was fantastic to be in Glasgow with Leeds United officials to join the Football v Homophobia Awards ceremony on Friday.
“We were both delighted and proud to witness the club secure this prestigious award, recognising the hard work it has done over the last few years to build a relationship with the LGBTQ+ community in Leeds, to secure support within its own fanbase in the fight against homophobia, and to work on education projects in local schools and the Academy.
“It was an evening of celebration where the valuable work of Leeds United, together with other fan groups, clubs and individuals in the women’s, grassroots and men’s professional games was recognised.
“We live in challenging times, where such work is becoming increasingly important. Work that has made and continues to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of so many members of the LGBTQ+ community within the world of football.
“Many congratulations Leeds United and thank you for all the support you have given to Marching Out Together.”
There were over 200 guests in attendance at the annual ceremony, with the electrifying force of the Football v Homophobia Awards in full effect, and those on hand were treated to an entertaining night as members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies came together from all around the country to celebrate achievements and continued progress.
More information around our award win, and the Football v Homophobia annual awards evening, can be found here.
