Football League clubs across the country have successfully completed the first year of a ground-breaking pilot that sets standards for equality in professional football.
The Football League’s Code of Practice was introduced as part of a commitment to English football’s Inclusion & Anti-Discrimination Action Plan which ensures clubs are inclusive across all sections of their business. This incorporates match day operations, general operations, community trust, youth development, fans and the first team.
At the end of year one, nine clubs (below) in The Football League have been assessed as meeting the Code of Practice foundation level, setting the benchmark for others to follow.
- Bolton Wanderers
- Middlesbrough
- Blackburn Rovers
- Sheffield United
- Peterborough United
- Southend United
- Crewe Alexandra
- Exeter City
- Portsmouth
Each club successfully passed an independent assessment across 12 areas of operation ensuring good practice extends to all employees, spectators and other people engaged with the club.
The Code of Practice embeds inclusion and equality throughout the whole club, setting accountability at the highest level.
In phase two, the nine clubs that have reached the Code of Practice foundation level will become mentors to a further 30 Football League clubs that will be assessed in 2016.
Commenting, Shaun Harvey, Chief Executive of The Football League said, “The Football League is dedicated to ensuring that football is inclusive of all communities and free from discrimination.”
“We recognise that great strides have been made in this area but there is still more to do. Further uptake of the Code of Practice in 2016 will ensure individuals, clubs and the League as a whole benefit from increased inclusion.”
