Blackpool Football Club has teamed up with principal partner Utilita to raise awareness for inclusivity in sport at Saturday’s fixture against Watford.

The Seasiders’ first-team shirts will feature the Utilita logo in rainbow colours and be auctioned and raffled off post-match to support the work of Stonewall and the launch of LGBTQ+ focused football sessions by the Blackpool FC Community Trust.

In a month where Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign is visible across football, it is vital that we work collectively to make sport everybody’s game. Inclusion has no off-season.

We are showing our support for the LGBTQ+ community and working with partners like Utilita and Stonewall to help fight discrimination and empower individuals to thrive and succeed in the sporting world.

Nic Rhodes, Director of Brand Marketing at Utilita, and Team Lead of Utilita’s LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Diversity Group, said:

“We are beyond thrilled about the Utilita Inclusion Day – one of the many brilliant initiatives that make our partnership with Blackpool so special.

“It gives us a tremendous sense of pride knowing the vital funds raised for Stonewall and Blackpool FC Community Trust will provide the LGBTQ+ community with greater access to the Beautiful Game.

“We also look forward to seeing the rainbow Utilita logo on the Seasiders’ kit.

“Such an event only reflects how hard we work within the company to ensure every employee feels they can be themselves and have their voice heard.

“We have several in-house Inclusion and Diversity Groups, one of which is for the LGBTQ+ community, and this has helped improve on an already-inclusive working environment at Utilita.”

Jonty Castle, Blackpool FC’s Chief Revenue Officer, said:

“The Club is determined to promote a more inclusive environment for all and is delighted that its principal partner Utilita shares in that vision. We both take great pride in having the rainbow colours adorn our first-team shirts for the match against Watford this Saturday.

“The focus is not just on this day alone though, which is why we are raising funds to support the fantastic, long-term work of Stonewall and the Blackpool FC Community Trust. Sport is for all, and everyone should be welcome.”

Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall, added:

“Blackpool FC have been exemplary in the support that they have provided Jake Daniels, before, during and after his coming out, and this weekend’s initiative shows that the Club continues to lead the way in championing LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.

“We thank Blackpool FC and Utilita for this incredible gesture, which will help Stonewall to continue our work to build a world where LGBTQ+ people feel welcome to play and watch sport at all levels.”

Further details regarding the shirt auction – via matchwornshirt.com – and online raffle will be communicated in the coming days.

Those looking to support in other ways are asked to note that a bucket collection will be in place in and around the stadium on Saturday.

Seasiders To Wear Shirts With Rainbow-Coloured Utilita Logo Against Watford