The Premier League agreed to a three-year partnership with LGBT charity Stonewall to "help promote equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender fans, officials, players and staff," according to John Drayton of the London DAILY MAIL. The league will "also improve its efforts to tackle homophobic abuse, whether in stadiums or online, and train staff at clubs to better address homophobia." EPL Exec Chair Richard Scudamore said, "Premier League football is for everyone, everywhere, and our clubs are committed to equality and diversity at all levels of the sport. We view the LGBT community as an integral part of our community and, working with Stonewall, we want this partnership to improve the experience of LGBT people playing football, and supporting clubs, and to signal to others who might be interested in getting involved that they're welcome to do so" (DAILY MAIL, 11/10). SKY SPORTS' Richard Cooke reported through the partnership, the EPL will join Stonewall's Global Diversity Champions program, becoming one of 750 organizations that work to "improve the lives of the LGBT community" in the U.K. and internationally. Stonewall Head of Campaigns Robbie de Santos said, "It's such a big deal that the Premier League are stepping forward and making this big commitment. The players have a huge role to play as well. They're followed by millions of fans across the football community and what they say matters, so it's really great to know that we can get more players talking about LBGT inclusion, and coming out as allies to LGBT people in football." Stonewall CEO Ruth Hunt said, "This is an important milestone for football, and for sport" (SKY SPORTS, 11/10).
