New project helping Premier League and EFL clubs support LGBTQ inclusive football teams
‘The Pride Playbook’ has been launched by Millwall FC, their LGBTQ+-inclusive team, Millwall Romans, and PR agency The Romans; the guidance, supported by organisations and individuals including Football v Homophobia and out gay player Zander Murray, is designed to help professional clubs support inclusive football teams in their local area…
Professional football clubs are being encouraged to take a fresh look at their support for LGBTQ+ inclusive football.
A new project brought to life by Millwall FC and The Romans PR, and supported by Football v Homophobia (FvH), is highlighting a major gap between what fans believe is happening and the reality of the situation in the British pro game.
Research shows that nearly 70% of LGBTQ+ fans and allies assume that three or more professional clubs already have an official LGBTQ+ team.
The reality is more complex. While there are a handful of pro clubs and community trusts / foundations who provide support of varying degrees to local LGBTQ+ inclusive football teams, the model at Millwall FC means their adopted team – Millwall Romans FC – are fully and ‘officially’ integrated into the club family, and are promoted as such.
The south-east London club’s inclusion initiative began in June 2020, and after six years, those involved in its success are sharing their knowledge in “The Pride Playbook” which has been put together by The Romans, a PR and social agency that is the lead sponsor of Millwall Romans.
The Playbook is a practical blueprint which provides professional clubs with a step-by-step guide to establishing, funding, and supporting their own inclusive teams.
The call for change also comes at a critical time for fan safety, with data from the Home Office and independent surveys showing a rise in the number of football matches at which homophobic and transphobic incidents occur.
There is evidence too that many supporters are looking for real, year-round commitment from clubs on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
According to new research, 47% of respondents want clubs to provide coaching and training support, while 41% of all UK fans believe every club across the top four leagues should have an inclusive team. Among the LGBTQ+ community, that figure rises to 83%.
For clubs looking to grow their fanbase, there is an attractive financial opportunity too. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of LGBTQ+ adults in the UK say they would be more likely to attend games in person if clubs had better LGBTQ+ initiatives.
Experts calculate that welcoming these fans could unlock up to £428 million in additional matchday revenue each season across the leagues, driven by ticket sales, food, and drink.
The Pride Playbook combines real-world insights from Millwall’s setup alongside guidance shaped by FvH, GFSN and others to help clubs build permanent, safer environments for all players.
Jon Holmes, FvH’s media officer, says the new guide bridges the gap between good intentions and real results.
“The Pride Playbook is a practical step forward in helping clubs move from intent to action. It provides a clear framework for integrating LGBTQ+ inclusive teams into club structures and creating environments where inclusion is embedded, not occasional.
“Millwall FC has shown how to achieve this and is reaping the rewards. Now it’s time for other clubs across the leagues to realise the potential in their local areas by learning from this model.”
The Playbook emphasises that visibility alone is no longer enough, with structural change required to make the sport truly accessible.
Zander Murray, who is one of the very few footballers to have come out publicly as gay while active in the men’s pro game anywhere in the world, highlighted the deep importance of clubs officially backing these teams.
“Coming out as a professional player, I’ve seen the power of visibility, but I’ve also seen the barriers that still exist for LGBTQ+ people in this sport.
“It is startling that so many fans still witness homophobia, and even more so that Millwall stands alone as the only club to fully integrate an LGBTQ+ team.
“By calling on top-flight clubs to officially adopt and fund teams, we aren’t just making a statement – Millwall Romans are building a blueprint for a future where every player, at every level, knows they have a permanent home in the game.”
Find out more information at PridePlaybook.co.uk.
Further reading…
Zander Murray says football’s ‘manosphere’ problem is fuelling homophobia (Attitude, June 2026)
Playing, Pride and protest – inclusive football takes over St George’s Park for a memorable day in GFSN history (November 2025)
Millwall FC’s LGBTQ team Millwall Romans shares in the pro club’s promotion dream (Outsports, April 2025)
Learn more about Football v Homophobia on the campaign website.
Check out our archive of related content, including episodes of the FvH Podcast.
Show your support for FvH! Pick up T-shirts etc in the FvH Shop.
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