Liverpool FC has signed up to be a Stonewall Diversity Champion, becoming the first Premier League club to join the programme.

Stonewall, Europe’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, works with more than 750 organisations to help them create workplaces that are inclusive and welcoming of LGBT people.

As a Diversity Champion, the club will receive expert consultation and advice from one of Stonewall’s client account managers.

Working together, LFC and Stonewall will review current polices, practices and staff training and work on reinforcing the club as a workplace where everyone can be themselves.

Committing to be a Diversity Champion is another progressive step for the club, which was also rewarded this year with an accolade from the Premier League.

In May, LFC became the first club to achieve the Advanced Level the Premier League Equality Standard, recognising the commitment of club leadership to equality, diversity and inclusion, the development of inclusive policy and procedures as well as the great work of LFC’s community programme, Red Neighbours and the club’s official charity, LFC Foundation.



The club’s commitment comes just weeks before Stonewall holds its annual Rainbow Laces campaign, which will see sport across the UK turn rainbow from November 24 to December 3 in support of the LGBT community.

Peter Moore, CEO of LFC, said: "Liverpool FC has long been committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to ensuring that it is embedded in all areas across the club and we are delighted to be spearheading Stonewall’s Diversity Champion programme.

"We believe that sport should be inclusive and that nobody should miss out simply because of who they are. From our club charity’s inclusive sports programmes to achieving the Premier League’s Advanced Equality Standard this year, we are proud to keep striving to make sport for everyone."

Ruth Hunt, Stonewall’s chief executive, added: "It’s so important for organisations to actively work towards making sport everyone’s game. Many LGBT people want to take part in sport, either as players or fans, but at the moment not everyone feels welcome.

"We also know that most sports fans want a better, more inclusive game. To make this happen, we need individuals and organisations to step up to show their support for LGBT people and that’s what Liverpool FC have done today. We’re excited they’ve joined us as a Diversity Champion and we look forward to working with them to help further LGBT equality in football."