AfC sign up of Ability Counts Football, Parley Ability Counts, and Parley Ability Counts Youth

The Network is very pleased to share news of the sign up of three sports organisations: Ability Counts Football, Parley Ability Counts, and Parley Ability Counts Youth .

‘Football has a remarkable ability to both bring people together, but also to be a reflection of divisions & discrimination in society.

As the largest team participation team sport in the country, & with over 8 million people regularly participating, it is important that football takes the lead in creating a suitable environment for all to be able to both enjoy & to feel safe when playing, regardless of culture, colour religion, sexuality or disability.

This is equally as true in Ability Counts (pan-disability) football, & at Parley Ability Counts, we have always endeavoured to create that ‘safe environment’ & culture, as it is crucial that the LGBT community are not only well-represented & have a voice, but also afforded the same opportunities as all players – be it ‘mainstream’ or disability football.

The ‘Ask for Clive’ campaign enables all of the Parley players to both know that they can play in a safe & friendly environment, & also know that there is a safe reporting mechanism for either inappropriate behaviour or comments, or to flag-up if they feel that they have been discriminated against.

Football is a force for good, but for it to be truly inclusive, everyone has to feel safe, & a full part of the game.’

Rob Amey. Ability Counts Football, Parley Ability Counts, and Parley Ability Counts Youth

The Network has provided a ‘need to know’ information resource on LGBT engagement for these three sports organisations, which are very appreciative of its practical value & quality. It is being used to support existing equality & inclusion training, for monitoring and to assist on celebrating the best practice LGB&T and broader diverse communities support and engagement taking place at Ability Counts Football, Parley Ability Counts, and Parley Ability Counts Youth .