Posted on 29th July 2026
Toolkit launched to help LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups
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.
Whether supporters are considering launching a brand new group, growing an existing network or simply looking for fresh ideas, the resource offers a roadmap to building communities where LGBTQ+ fans can feel visible and celebrated.
Cass Hyde, campaigns officer for Pride in Football and co-Chair of Rainbow Devils said: “LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own priorities, which reflect its own club, community and members.
“That’s why this is a toolkit, not a manual; it gives groups – old and new – the expertise and support to grow in whatever direction they need. And if you’ve ever thought about starting a group at your club, whatever level it plays at, this toolkit was made for you.”
Over the last decade, the number of organisations representing LGBTQ+ supporters has continued to grow with new fan groups popping up at all levels of the game.
The new toolkit provides advice and guidance on the following:
- Launching and growing your own LGBTQ+ supporters’ group
- Creating a group’s identity and designing logos
- Launching social media channels
- Developing relationships with clubs
- Establishing committees
- Marking national campaigns
- Organising matchday and social events for fans
- Supporting men’s and women’s football
- Championing trans inclusion
- Building meaningful allyship.
Sheffield United’s Rainbow Blades founder James Laley said: “There is no single blueprint for an LGBTQ+ supporters’ group.
“The new toolkit provides practical advice alongside inspiring real-world examples from existing LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups across the country.
“For many supporters, joining an LGBTQ+ fan group isn’t simply about attending matches together. It’s about finding people who understand what it means to love football, while navigating identities that haven’t always felt welcome within the game.
“It’s about making friendships, creating traditions and supporting one another.”
The toolkit was created by a collaborative working group made up of fan reps from across the FSA’s Fans for Diversity network, with special thanks to:
Nilesh Chauhan (campaign manager, Fans for Diversity)
Cass Hyde (co-chair, Rainbow Devils; campaigns officer, Pride in Football)
Hannah Kumari (campaign manager, Fans for Diversity)
James Laley (chair, Rainbow Blades; FSA National Council)
Chris Ledger (chair, Rainbow Owls)
Rishi Madlani (co-chair, Pride in Football)
Chris Paouros (vice-chair, Football Supporters’ Association)
Richard Young (chair, QPR Rainbow Rangers; digital communications officer, Pride in Football)
Fans For Diversity is a campaign programme run in partnership between the FSA and Kick It Out. Fans For Diversity encourages, funds and supports initiatives by fan groups to promote diversity and inclusion in football, and to challenge all forms of discrimination.
