Chelsea’s Premier League match against Everton on Saturday will highlight some inclusion campaigns and organisations to help promote equality within football and the wider community.
The Game for Equality at Stamford Bridge will see Chelsea’s ‘Building Bridges’ initiative join forces with The FA, Kick It Out, Football v Homophobia and the Premier League to underline the commitment to tackling all forms of discrimination.
‘Building Bridges’ was launched in 2010 to promote equality, with Chelsea working alongside schools and other groups to celebrate diversity - and the Game for Equality takes the initiative further.
Blues striker Demba Ba is the ambassador for this first Game for Equality.
He said: "I'm proud to be asked to be the ambassador for this campaign as it is important we stand up to all forms of discrimination.
"I support all work promoting equality and believe days like this will help get the message out there.
"There is no place for discrimination. Our club and our communities should be open to all regardless of race, religion, gender or sexuality."
Roisin Wood, director of Kick It Out, added: ‘Chelsea's inaugural Game for Equality is the perfect platform for the club to demonstrate their support for organisations campaigning for equality and inclusion in football.
"The work of the club's ‘Building Bridges’ initiative goes further towards creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for supporters of all backgrounds, and shows Chelsea’s proactive approach in engaging with their local community."
And Megan Worthing-Davies, director of Football v Homophobia, said: ‘We welcome the work of Chelsea FC in combating discrimination and prejudice in the game.
"The club’s leadership on challenging homophobia and creating a welcoming and safe place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people will make a difference not just within the club, but also within the wider community and around the world."
