Just a Ball Game? has teamed up with Bradford Brewery to create a new unique partnership. This Thursday, the brewery will be launching a beer named Just a Ball Game? and launching a safe space for LGBT sports fans on match days.
Just a Ball Game? is an organisation who works to encourage and promote football and other sports among lesbian, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people. They also help to try and remove discrimination against these groups within the world of football.
. The new fan club is endorsed by Bradford City Football Club, who are already proudly displaying the banner.@BFDCITYLGBTOn the same night - Thursday 1 October - a new Bradford City LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Supporters Group will be officially launched, with the Twitter account
Bradford City Facilities Manager, David Dowse said: "Bradford City FC is delighted that Just a Ball Game? has achieved this support from the Bradford Brewery. The Club has worked closely with Just a Ball Game? since its inception and they have always provided sensible and practical support for the Club as it looks to attract LGBT fans to its home games.
"We are a Club that is open to all and Just a Ball Game? has helped Bradford City FC to ensure its fan-base is fully inclusive. We thank Bradford Brewery for their support for this venture and hope that the organisational links helps Just a Ball Game? to go from strength-to-strength.”
During the course of the evening, there will be a Q&A session with invited guests including Gerry Sutcliffe, the former Sports Minister and Councillor Richard Dunbar.
Alongside this there will be an educational exhibition on display, entitled “Time for Action”, and memorabilia from the women’s football game.
Support for these initiatives’ has come from many people including the Leader of Bradford Council, David Green.
He said: “I welcome this initiative applaud the organisers in making sure that the peoples game is open and safe for all people to enjoy. It is great to see one of our new local businesses getting involved in this community initiative and supporting one of our great sporting clubs”
The beer will be a traditional English Best Bitter containing pale malt, crystal malt, wheat, caramel and chocolate malt with a royal gold colour.
In addition to being on sale at the Bradford Brewery, the beer will also be sale at Al’s Dime Bar, on North Parade.
October will be selling a beer with our brand name on it to mark the launch of the LGBT safe space and Bradford City LGBT fan group.”stLindsay England, founder of JBG? said, “ Just a Ball Game? are very proud of the partnerships with both Bradford Brewery, and Al’s Dime Bar. Who, as of the 1
A spokesperson for the brewery had this to add: "Bradford Brewery are pleased to support Just a ball Game? It is important that individuality within sport is celebrated. We are all one team."- Alison of Bradford Brewery.
It’s hoped the branded beer, safe space and LGBT fan group will help to evolve an LGBT /straight alliance and inspire other communities to do similar.
The launch is a free event, and open to all who wish to support the venture.