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Local organisations in Sheffield team up to support Football vs Homophobia campaign;

Football 3 – Homophobia NIL

Sheffield Teaching Hospital's Centre for HIV was one of six local organisations who teamed up to raise awareness of the international ‘Football vs Homophobia’ campaign, which is aimed at stamping out homophobia in the sport.

Local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties organised the event with help from Sheffield Homes and Manor and Castle Development Trust, which took place at the Park Community Centre off Duke Street.

Each organisation formed teams and played 5-a-side matches throughout the afternoon before taking part in an additional all-stars game against local young people, age 10 upwards, who attend the Park Community Centre.

Football v Homophobia is an international day opposing homophobia in football, which provides an opportunity for individuals, communities and teams the world over to communicate their disapproval of homophobia in football and celebrate the sport’s football’s diverse following.

Organiser Brian Hamlin, Guinness Northern Counties’ Community Investment Manager, acting referee for the event, said: “It’s been a thrilling day and great to support this initiative locally and raise awareness of homophobia in football. All of the organisations here today are strongly committed to equality & diversity and happy to campaign against discrimination of any sort.”

Alan Duffy, Director of Communications, The Justin Campaign, said: "The Justin Campaign is delighted that Guinness Northern Counties is supporting Football v Homophobia 2012. Their support, along with that of businesses, organisations, schools and colleges in the UK and around the world, is key to helping to make football a secure and welcoming space for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people."