LGBTQ+ Supporters Hub

The LGBTQ+ Hub aims to provide peer-to-support support for LGBTQ+ supporters at clubs regardless of level and helps drive meaningful change throughout the game.

While many clubs now have LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups, these often work in isolation, with limited resources or capacity to engage strategically with their clubs. At the same time, new groups can struggle to get started. The Hub aims to bridge those gaps, connecting people, ideas, and support in a way that’s built with and for LGBTQ+ fans.

Rainbow Blades’ James Laley said: “There is growing momentum for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the game, but continued progress requires support, collaboration and shared learning.

“With the FSA behind it, the hub will encourage collaboration between groups and clubs, and help drive positive change throughout football.”

The hub will operate as a non-bureaucratic, flexible and informal hub, supported by the FSA and volunteer fan reps.

It will meet a minimum of three times a year, creating regular opportunities for groups to connect, share updates and discuss common issues. FSA staff will help coordinate and develop the hub, including supporting meetings and arranging relevant guest speakers where useful.

The hub will also support the development of new and existing groups, help build relationships with football clubs, supporter liaison officers (SLOs); equality, diversity and inclusion leads, governing bodies and other stakeholders while creating opportunities for groups to collaborate on campaigns and wider football issues.

LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups are already seeing the value of having a dedicated space to share experiences and learn from one another.

Groups have gained greater access to funding, training, resources and support through the FSA and its Fans for Diversity campaign.

In addition, The hub is helping maintain and establish regional alliances: the development of regional alliances is helping fan groups build stronger relationships, share resources and collaborate.

A regional alliance is an informal network of local LGBTQ+ football supporters’ groups that enables members, regardless of their size or stage of development, to share best practice, experience and peer-to-peer support.

With no formal governance or committee structure, participating groups remain equal while benefiting from a flexible and evolving collective shaped by their individual needs and circumstances.

Currently there are regional alliances in the north west and Yorkshire, Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire.

• Regional alliances framework
• A step-by-step guide

Structure & accessibility:

Three meetings per year (minimum) to remain manageable and inclusive, with FSA support.

Flexibility & neutrality:

An informal, non-hierarchical approach that complements existing organisations.

Practical Support:

Access to Fans for Diversity funding, guidance on governance and FSA campaigning, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Including sourcing guest speakers and facilitating discussion.

Partnerships & Influence:

Greater collaboration with EFL, Premier League, Women’s Super League, Kick It Out, FootballvHomophobia (FvH), and the FA around key campaigns (e.g., EFL Rainbow Ball, FvH Month, Premier League with Pride) plus with clubs, community foundations, supporter liaison Officers and diversity leads.

Regional alliances:

Interest in developing regional networks to strengthen collaboration between groups.

Visibility & Inclusion:

Continued focus on intersectionality, representation, and ensuring all voices are supported.

A new toolkit for LGBTQ+ supporter groups developed by the FSA and Pride in Football has now been published and is available to download now.

The LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Group Toolkit, developed with funding from the Fans for Diversity campaign fund, aims to empower supporters to establish, grow and strengthen LGBTQ+ fan communities across the game.

Fans for Diversity campaign manager Nilesh Chauhan said: “The Football Supporters’ Association is proud to have partnered with Pride in Football to create a toolkit that will support existing LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups and those looking to establish new ones.

“This project and the finished product demonstrate what football supporters can achieve when they work together.”

The toolkit provides practical guidance to help establish, develop and sustain LGBTQ+ fan groups throughout the football pyramid.

• Download: The LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Toolkit

If your LGBTQ+ supporters’ group would like to join the hub, please get in touch with our Fans for Diversity campaign managers, Hannah Kumari and Nilesh Chauhan.

Hannah and Nilesh can also talk to you if you are interested in setting up a supporters’ group at your club – they’ve helped countless get off the ground already – and would be happy to help.