Varsity players wear ‘Rainbow Laces’ in support of LGBT+ community

Cambridge Varsity squads joined the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign to kick homophobia out of sport.

Players from the University’s women’s and men’s rugby squads and the women’s football team showed their support by wearing rainbow-coloured laces on their boots.

The Rainbow Laces campaign aims to tackle homophobia in sport and raise awareness of issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender players and fans.

Captain of the CURUFC Women's squad Lara Gibson (Lucy Cavendish) said: “We’re wearing rainbow laces to send a clear message that all sport - either as a participant or supporter - is for everyone.

“Around the world, many LGBT+ people want to take part in sport, either as players or fans, but the behaviour of a minority can make people feel unwelcome, unsafe or unable to be themselves.

“There’s a lot of work left to do to ensure that all LGBT+ people feel able to participate in sport, and we hope to see many more sports teams, including professional clubs, join us and others in the Rainbow Laces campaign to make this a reality.”

Equality Champion at the University of Cambridge, Dr Nick Bampos, said: “I’m proud to see our teams joining Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, encouraging all of us to do our part in making all people feel welcome in sport.

“It’s crucial for organisations like the University of Cambridge to show we not only welcome LGBT+ people, but are active in leading positive change.”

LGBT+-rights charity Stonewall are behind the campaign. For more information on rainbow laces, or to buy a pair, visit stonewall.org.uk

This year sees the first ever Varsity Football double-header, with both the Men’s and Women’s football teams playing at The Hive Stadium, home of Barnet FC, on 19 March. The women’s game will kick off at 1pm, with the men’s game starting at 4pm. Tickets at Barnet FC website.