The Prime Minister has recognised Lindsay England, originally from Bradford and living in Manchester, for promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.
Lindsay is the founder of «Just a Ball Game?», an LGBTQ+ organisation campaigning to kick homophobic, biphobic and transphobic abuse and discrimination out of sport.
Lindsay, a lifelong Bradford City FC fan, originally started the organisation as a blog and then as a campaign organisation which also project manages a women’s Futsal /5-a-side team locally in Manchester and the Bradford City LGBT+ Fan Group, a hub for LGBTQ+ supporters and non LGBTQ+ allies which aims to provide a safe space for fans and encourage greater inclusion in football and other sports. «Just a Ball Game?» has since grown, aiming to raise the profile of LGBTQ people in sport and working with clubs and organisations at local and national level to promote inclusion. This has included working with «Kick It Out», the anti-discrimination in football campaign, and the Home Office to issue LGBTQ-inclusive advice to match-day stewards. Lindsay has also worked with the TUC to design a toolkit for union officials offering practical advice on tackling homophobia at club level, and with the FA to host a conference at Wembley earlier this year discussing the most pressing issues facing the LGBTQ community in football.
Lindsay is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.
In a personal letter to Lindsay, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
«Through ‘Just a Ball Game’, you are sharing a powerful message of inclusion and equality for LGBT people in sport. Nobody should feel excluded from a sport that they love and your commitment to eradicating homophobia, biphobia and transphobia is truly remarkable. I wish you the very best in your continued work».
Lindsay said:
«’Just a Ball Game?’ Was founded in 2010 because I wanted to be able to make a difference. The recognition through a Points of Light award is testimony to the hard work and dedication volunteers achieve when they are given support on their journey».
“Today’s LGBT+ celebrations are tomorrow’s LGBTQ+ history».
Lindsay is the 1182nd winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA. Over 6,000 Points of Light have been awarded in the USA, and former Presidents have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK. There is a similar cross-party approach to the UK programme and MPs from different parties often present their constituents with their Points of Light awards.
Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Points of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.
MySoCalledGayLife.co.uk sends gratulations to the well deserved recipient of the Points of Light award founder of «Just a Ball Game?», Lindsay England.
