Flanagan's Football Files

The FA continues its commitment to ensuring that football truly is a game for everyone. This is central to the work of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) programme, which the Essex Senior League is proud to support.

In this article, I’m focusing on how the FA is working to create a more LGBT-inclusive environment across the game. They are actively collaborating with LGBT communities and football stakeholders to identify and remove barriers to participation, while also safeguarding the welfare of all players and participants.

To help achieve this, the FA partners with LGBT-specific organisations such as Football v Homophobia and Pride Sports, as well as broader inclusion partners like Kick It Out.

With the support of these groups, the FA aims to:

Promote a positive, inclusive image of football and its participants

Encourage and support people from all communities—current and future generations—to take part in the game, whether as players, referees, supporters, coaches, administrators, or volunteers

The FA is also helping professional clubs and County FAs to develop good practice around LGBT inclusion and engagement. As part of this commitment, the FA uses the Laws of the Game to ensure that those who engage in hate or discrimination face the strongest possible consequences.

Mental Health Awareness in Football

In addition to supporting LGBT inclusion, the FA recognises the growing impact of mental health challenges on people’s lives. Statistics show that one in four people experience a mental health problem each year, which means millions involved in grassroots football are affected in some way.

It’s vital that football clubs at every level understand this and learn how to include and support people with mental health conditions. The FA, alongside its partners across the game, encourages players, coaches, and officials to talk about mental health as openly as they would about physical injuries.

There’s an increasing appreciation of the importance of creating environments where people feel comfortable discussing their well-being. Tackling the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination often associated with mental health, both in sport and wider society—is a key priority.

Football itself can play a powerful role in supporting mental health. It can aid recovery, help manage symptoms, and significantly improve quality of life. Whether through mainstream community clubs or specialised sport and mental health projects, football continues to make a real difference.

Reflections on the EDI Journey

Since becoming the EDI Lead for the league, I’ve been amazed by how many different aspects must be considered to make football truly equal and inclusive for all. It’s far more complex and rewarding, than I ever imagined.

I hope that through the recent articles I’ve shared, you’ve gained an insight into why we at the Essex Senior League are so passionate about supporting the FA’s mission to make football open to everyone. After all, it really is the people’s game.

J. Flanagan