Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust once again joined forces with the Robins Foundation & Bristol City Panthers FC in the Bristol Pride Parade, alongside #HerGameToo & Bristol City Women assistant head coach Natalie Haigh.
Taking place on Saturday 13th July 2024, the Parade March saw a consistent and positive turnout, once again saw hundreds of people gather in the city centre in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Having first taken part in 2022 & in 2023 the Supporters Club & Trust continued to show support, in what was the 15th anniversary of the first Bristol Pride back in 2009.
Speaking to the Robins Foundation, City Women assistant head coach Natalie Haigh said “It was great to learn about the incredible work that the Bristol City Panthers are doing at this year’s Bristol Pride Parade and to meet some amazing supporters and colleagues from the Robins Foundation, Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust and Her Game Too.”
Supporters Club & Trust member D-M Withers has worked with the Foundation to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices in our local community. They shared how much they enjoyed the day and how football clubs and supporters can continue to improve the sport’s culture in the future:
“Bristol Pride is an amazing community event, and it was brilliant to march with the Bristol Panthers, the Robins Foundation, Her Game Too, colleagues from Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust and staff from Bristol City.
In recent years, football has become more inclusive for players and supporters, across grassroots and professional levels. There is still more to be done: from challenging persistent homophobia in men’s football, to showing solidarity with transgender people in the sporting arena and in day-to-day life.
Let’s keep supporting each other so everyone can play and enjoy the beautiful game – we are stronger together!”
For those not familiar with Bristol City Panthers, they are an LGBTQIA+ friendly football team based in Bristol. Founded in 2000, the club believes in providing everyone with a fun, supportive environment to play football, learn new skills (or sharpen old ones!) and make friends. All players are welcome; whatever their experience, ability, sexuality or gender identity.
They are proudly affiliated with Bristol City FC through Bristol City Robins Foundation. Last season they were crowned champions of Division 2 of the GFSN (Gay Football Supporters Network) league!
They train every Thursday evening from 8:00pm on the 4G pitch at Imperial Sports Ground (BS14 9EA) & have five-a-side football every Monday from 7pm on the 5-a-side pitch at the same venue. For more information, visit the Panthers website.
This article is adapted from an article on the Bristol City website, which can be read here