Bath Rugby Foundation has announced their support for the Rainbow Laces campaign, which aims to break down the barriers some LGBT people face when it comes to participating in sport.
Many suffer from bullying and gender stereotypes when at school, which often prevents young people from taking part, particularly in team sports, as they feel they will be unwelcome.
The Rainbow Laces campaign, which runs from 17th November through to 7th December, aims to bridge this gap and raise awareness of equality.
As part of the Project Rugby programme, an initiative focused on inclusivity in the sport, Bath Rugby Foundation, the charitable arm of Bath Rugby, will run a series of sessions with the Off the Record BANES LGBT+ group, that meet at the Percy Community Centre in Bath.
Senior Foundation Coach, Curtis Arber said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign this year at Bath Rugby Foundation.
“At Bath Rugby Foundation we believe sport is for everyone and we promote inclusion in everything we do.
“The Project Rugby programme has welcomed people from all parts of the community to a new sport and over the past few years we’ve seen so many people experience the fun and camaraderie that rugby offers.
“If you want to give rugby a try, please come along. We guarantee a warm welcome.”
Phil Walters, Director, Off the Record B&NES, said: ”We exist to provide young people with a safe space to be themselves and be happy.
“Our SPACE group are working with Bath Rugby Foundation on the Rainbow Laces campaign and aiming to support young people to access a whole range of sports. Look out for our social media campaign that will be led by the young people.
Bath Rugby Foundation coaches are currently offering free introductions to the sport at their Project Rugby hubs.
Sessions are set to run on a Monday from 6.30pm to 8pm at Midsomer Norton RFC and at the new 4G sports pitch at Mulberry Park in Bath every Thursday from 4.30pm to 6pm.
For more information or to get involved in any of these activities, email: [email protected]