The Hub For Women’s Football In South Yorkshire

The role and rise of LGBTQ+ supporters group Rainbow Owls in women’s football
Oliver Pallas

South Yorkshire, a region steeped in football history and culture, is becoming an increasingly safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond the matchday, the region is nurturing football’s newest community that embraces diversity and celebrates identity. 

Change is actively taking place across women’s football in South Yorkshire. Clubs across the region are taking decisive steps to promote inclusion and diversity in the sport, and supporters’ groups are gaining the recognition they deserve for their hard work and commitment. 

Women’s football unequivocally stands as a stronghold for the LGBTQ+ community, providing players with support both on and off the pitch. The women’s game is not just a safe space, it creates an environment where acceptance and understanding is created and a place where visibility stands against discrimination. 

Rainbow Owls, a Sheffield Wednesday supporters group, are just one example of an initiative which is gradually gaining prevalence across the sport. Groups made up of LGBTQ+ members and lifelong supporters are using their communities as a voice to challenge discrimination and increase visibility. 

Initiatives have stemmed from the creation of these supporters groups. Football v Homophobia is one project built around the inclusion and awareness of the movement and of members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Chris Ledger from Rainbow Owls has worked tirelessly to promote the LGBTQ+ movement in South Yorkshire. Founded in 2023 by Chris himself, after an incident during a Sheffield Wednesday game, Chris chose to return to the sport, using Rainbow Owls as a safe space for acceptance and inclusion. 

“An incident at a Sheffield Wednesday game in 2014 put me off attending games for a long time. I also had my own issues in terms of accepting myself, so I needed that break to become comfortable in myself. When I returned to the game as a gay man I needed that support network, so Rainbow Owls was a way to make me more comfortable and to create a network of people.

“I designed it around creating a sense of community. This was a way for me to create new connections to help other people and give something back to our community.”

Of course, football is only part of the story. Other aspects of creating a community and creating an inclusive environment also serve a purpose. The community aspect, where no judgement is held and a social role is maintained is vital. 

“We hold socials before every home fixture which is really important for us. Creating a culture and a space for people to make new connections and meet new people. Since I took some time away from the game you embrace football and the sense of community more. 

“I think even if there are just a few of us in the room together at a social or at one of the events we hold, understanding other people’s identities is important also. Learning if people are trans, non-binary, or queer is a really important educational aspect which we try to create at Rainbow Owls. To see people grow and feel respected and understood at these socials is very pleasing to see and something I am very proud of.” 

The LGBTQ+ Movement in the Women’s Game 

Promotion across the women’s game, particularly with the awareness and success surrounding the Lionesses, has been important in the timing of Rainbow Owls’ rise as a supporters group. A network of support which branches into the women’s game is also key, where a safe space and a sense of community and respect is created for the women’s game. 

“I encourage as many people as possible to get involved in the women’s game, and I myself go to as many Sheffield Wednesday Ladies games as possible to promote women’s football further. I want to prove to people that we aren’t just about the men’s game, we want to put a focus on the women’s game as well and that awareness and clarity is really important.” 

“We have some players on board already, Kirsty Tonner spoke at an LGBTQ+ conference and we have midfielder Rachel Nosworthy on board as our ambassador. To have players from the first team offering their support towards our group is key to spread awareness throughout the club and across other women’s teams in South Yorkshire. 

“I think it’s also really crucial that players know they aren’t alone. Our awareness at games shows to players they have peers, friends cheering for them on the sidelines. 

“So they know that we see them, so they feel included and so they know we can help them embrace a sense of visibility is really important.” 

Of course, the promotion of such supporters groups also has its challenges. Wider acceptance of diversity and inclusion can be challenging, where discrimination still exists. Stereotypes and agenda’s may still remain, and of course, in an age of social media, comments and remarks can still be made. But it is about valuing promotion which is important and a goal of supporters groups like Rainbow Owls. 

Of course, progress can be made. But the progress of these supporters groups is massive in widening the reach of football and promoting inclusivity for players and supporters of the game. Fans across South Yorkshire are showing that change starts from those rooted in the game, arriving through the turnstiles and watching from the sidelines, rather than from those in charge. 

Football continues to grow and prove itself to the masses. It has seen a massive shift in inclusivity and diversity within the sport, where pride and passion is not just reflected in the players, but from those who cheer them on as well.