Pride Park Pride: Derby County LGBTQ+ football project launched

The first session took place at the club's Moor Farm training ground

A new project has been launched at Derby County to make football more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Park Pride has been set up the Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) to provide a safe space to socialise and play football, regardless of ability, sexuality or gender identity.

The first session took place at Derby County's Moor Farm training ground on Monday.

DCCT says the project allows people "to just be themselves".

The launch was timed to coincide with all English Football League games this weekend featuring rainbow-coloured balls to mark LGBTQ+ History Month.

Marc Handy attended the first football session on Monday

DCCT's Josh Wing, who founded the project, said it was aimed at building confidence on and off the pitch for the LGBTQ+ community.

"Unfortunately transphobia and homophobia still exists in football", he said.

"Some footballers and fans might not see it themselves but it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

"It doesn't matter what ability you have or what your background is, we want people to come and enjoy playing and watching football."

"We know the community exists out there. The football club and the community trust reaches out to so many people and of all the programmes we do, we weren't reaching out to that community so I wanted to go out there and make a difference.

"At Pride Park Stadium, we have something called the Community Corner, which is home to the Community Trust.

"Pride Park Pride will be based there too, where it will be a place to have fun, socialise, talk to like minded people.

"You might talk about issues within football like homophobia and share your stories. It's all about relaxing and being with people that you didn't know existed within the community."

'Really friendly'

Marc Handy, 30, travelled from Nottingham to be part of the first session in Derby on Monday.

He said: ''I found out about Pride Park Pride through someone close to me and the description fit what I wanted in a football session.

"I love football but have always found it hard to find somewhere to play. The session itself was fun and everyone was an active part of the session.

"I have health issues deriving from Covid, and I needed to take some time to the side for recovery.

"This was never treated like an issue and I was able to go at my own pace, unlike other teams I have played for in the past.

"Everyone was really friendly and included each other in all aspects of the session.

"I am really looking forward to the next session and any other socials that may come along the way.''