Listen: Balls & Whistles episode 45 – Rainbow Laces special featuring LEAP Sports Scotland and Ross County manager Malky Mackay
We promised you a special episode, and here it is! The Rainbow Laces campaign kicks off it's 2021 activation this week, so Andrew has taken the opportunity to shine a bit of a spotlight on the campaign and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport.
First he talks to LEAP Sports Scotland and Football v Homophobia Scotland's Sirri Topping about why a campaign like Rainbow Laces matters, as well as answering some of the most common responses that the campaign, football clubs and governing bodies get on social media when they publish inclusive messages.
There is quite a bit of focus on men's football in that chat, so Andrew also sat down with Ross County manager Malky Mackay to get a perspective from inside the game on what is happening to make it a more inclusive place, why the dressing room is the perfect place for anybody thinking about coming out and the effect that inclusive messages can have.
Chances are, your local club is doing something to mark Rainbow Laces, so check them out too and get involved since this year's slogan is Lace Up and Speak Up.
Get in touch with Balls & Whistles on Twitter (Balls_Whistles) or by emailing ballsandwhistles@hnmedia.co.uk.