As part of our ongoing commitment to making our communities and football welcome for all, Cardiff City FC Community Foundation has, once again, been showing our support for Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign to celebrate their 10^th Anniversary.

Since Rainbow Laces kicked off in 2013, over a million of us have laced up in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, fitness and physical activity. But this must-win game isn’t over yet. That’s why we’ve been lacing up, to keep it up.

Beyond wearing rainbow laces, we’ve been actively raising awareness and educating young people across our education programmes to empower them to make a positive impact and provide support to LGBTQ+ community members in sports, education, and everyday life.

Community Foundation staff have also been busy sharing bespoke resources developed by the Premier League League and Stonewall which promote positive attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in our partner schools via the Premier League Charitable Fund’s Primary Stars and Inspires educational programmes.

Our Secondary Education team invited several Secondary Schools on our Inspires programme to participate in a friendly Utilita Cup Tournament at Cardiff City House of Sport. They were also joined by participants from our Post-16 Education project, who volunteered to referee and coach the games.

Ross Branson, Secondary Education Coordinator said:

"Our Utilita Girls tournament aims to boost confidence, engage girls in team sports, and inspire them to reach for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at Wembley. Marking this event on Rainbow Laces Week was the perfect opportunity to get female players together and showcase how we can make sport everyone’s game."

Our Primary Education team also welcomed our partner Premier League Primary Stars schools to our Rainbow Laces Inclusive Football Festival for a morning filled with fitness activities and 5-a-side tournaments.

Adding to the excitement, our Community Foundation Women’s First Team Ambassadors, Rhianne Oakley and Seren Watkins, made a special appearance to help mentor the groups and hand out certificates to all participants.

The Foundation’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead, Chris Foot, said:

“Fans may have noticed a Proud Bluebirds flag has been permanently hung in the corner of the Canton Stand and Grandstand as a visible display of allyship with LGBTQ+ communities, why not show your support by following their accounts on X and Instagram! Indeed, we ask all fans support LGBTQ+ people in football and beyond by making everybody feel welcome.”

Everyone at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation is committed to tackling inequalities, helping people to lead healthier, more active lives and building stronger communities.