This Saturday’s fixture against Lancing FC at the Artic Stadium is the Millers designated game for the Football v Homophobia Month of Action campaign, which runs every February and is supported by Kent FA.

Football v Homophobia is an initiative that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression at all levels of football. The campaign engages in education, advice and guidance, research, and policy consultation to make existing football structures safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all LGBTQ+ people.

The campaign also creates opportunities and promotes engagement of LGBTQ+ people in football at all levels and in all forms, improve the representation and visibility of LGBTQ+ people throughout football and to realise the potential of football in society as a tool to create positive change.

Cray Valley PM FC believe that football is for all and should be available and accessible to everyone, without prejudice or discrimination. Huge strides have been taken within football in the UK, especially in recent years with professional players like Jake Daniels and Zander Murray feeling comfortable and safe to come out as LGBTQ+ and express who they are.

However, there is still more to be done – with several recent incidents of homophobic chanting across all levels of the game.
Last season Kent FA had over 2000 people like you on their website wanting to report an aggravated football incident and wondering if this is the right thing to do.
Fortunately, many did and that gave them opportunities to challenge this behaviour and educate participants.
One of the main objectives at The FA is to make the game free from discrimination and we can’t do this alone. We rely on people like you taking the time to report incidents and for that we want to say thank you.
This year, following a joint research piece with Kick It Out, Kent FA discovered that some people in our football community are not willing to report such incidents. Non-reporting makes it harder to reach this objective and they strongly encourage you to report any incident that you feel should be investigated. When Kent FA investigate incidents, they will raise a charge if they feel that there is sufficient evidence that, on the balance of probability, an offence occurred. Over 60% of charges lead to a proven outcome with resulting sanctions against the offending party.
If you witness any behaviour during a game, like anti-gay chanting and hateful or prejudiced language, speak to a nearby steward, the police, a club official, or contact the FA by telephone 0800 085 0508 or email: footballforall@TheFA.com.

You can also report via the Kick it Out website: http://www.kickitout.org, via email at info@kickitout.org, the Kick It Out mobile app, which is free to download, or telephone Kick it Out on 0800 169 9414.

Alternatively, report incidents via Facebook/KickitOutOfficial or Twitter @KickitOut. You can follow FVH on Facebook or Twitter: @FvHtweets or visit the Website: https://www.footballvhomophobia.com.

It is also encouraged by Kent FA that any discrimination is reported to them by calling 01622 791850 or emailing discipline@kentfa.com
Football is for All!