purpose
No male professional player has come out while playing in England since the 1990s.
Gay male players in mainstream football are anonymous, or non-existent
objectives
1. Challenge homophobia
2. Reduce homophobic bullying
3. Raise awareness surrounding the effects of homophobia and bullying
4. Increase knowledge around sexuality and sexual orientation
Created by
Albion in the Community
Length of the session
60'
Number of participants
12
Age of participants
16 - 29
Materials
Balls, Bibs, Cones, Goal Posts
Required knowledge, skills and preparation of the trainer
Experience of football inclusion is essential
Session plan
Session plan
Warm-up:
LGBT Game
Set-up: 40x40 area. 4 Zones. All players Start in the middle of the area. Mediator calls out L (Liverpool) G (Go Ahead Eagles) B (Brighton) T (Tottenham). All move to which ever direction has been called.
Progression: wording now changes, explain L (Lesbian) G ( Gay) B (Bisexual) T (Transexual). Ask players to give a definition of the word when they arrive at the corresponding point.
Ensure that any incorrect definitions or language usage is challenged immediately and consistently. Inappropriate/inaccurate language includes- poofta, dyke, lezza, tranny, queer, faggot, rug muncher, swings both ways, homo etc
Lesbian – A woman whose personal identity and relationship choices regarding her feelings, desires and sexual behaviours are made in relation to other women.
Gay Man- A man whose personal identity and relationship choices regarding his feelings, desires and sexual behaviours are made in relation to other men
Bisexual- A person whose personal identity and relationship choices regarding their feelings, desires and sexual behaviours are made in relation to both men and women
Transsexual - Someone who feels a desire to live their life as a member of the opposite gender
First half:
SHORT PASSING - MARGINALISED
Purpose: To show how it feels to be marginalised, ‘ insignificant’ or on the peripheral.
Set-up: Eight or more players link up by joining hands and outstretching their arms to form as wide a ‘chain’ as possible. One player (M) stands in the middle. The outside players without breaking their link, pass the ball between themselves so the middle player, who can only walk and not run, cannot get possession of the ball. If a player loses possession of the ball he then becomes the (M)
Progression: Players are only allowed 1 or 2 touches of the ball
before passing.
Discussion Points: Discuss with the group how it felt to be marginalised. What feelings did/could it bring up if you are excluded from something? E.g. Lonely, angry, frustrated, insignificant, sad, upset, hurt etc.
LGBT young people are often excluded from things just because of their sexual orientation. This can even be the case when others think that someone could be LGBT. Would we exclude someone just because of eye colour, height, or something else about them? So why do we exclude because of sexual orientation?
Second half:
DOUBLE YOUR MONEY
6v6 football match – if all players on the team have touched the ball during a phase of play, 2 goals are awarded if they score. Mediator keeps the score.
Third half:
Discuss and reflect on the overall session. Have teams collectively agree on other ways they can integrate all players into a game, eventually agreeing on rules and code of conduct.
Evaluation process for the session:
Ask players what they learnt about inclusion.
Ask them to suggest 3 things they liked about the session, and 3 things they would change about the session.
Record answers. Implement helpful suggestions into the next session.
Notes:
For example, during the discussion, you can ask participants to name gay celebrities
Then, ask them to name gay professional footballers….do players think there is a reason why they are struggling to think of any?