Former QPR boss and England coach Chris Ramsey will be a guest speaker at St. George's Park at the launch of England’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Football Coaches Network next weekend.
The event takes place on Sunday 21 February and is funded through the UEFA Captains of Change Programme as well as being free and open to all aspiring managers, coaches, referees and players.
Chris Ramsey, during a spell coaching the England Under-17s, in 2014
The launch of the Coaches Network comes after a snapshot survey of over 100 LGBT football coaches last summer found that found that 78% of LGBT coaches had experienced negativity towards LGBT people during their career and just under half of the lesbian, gay and bisexual respondents weren’t out in their coaching role.
Network Steering Group Chair James Earl explains: "We want to change that by providing positive role models for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender coaches, highlighting where there has been success and building a community.
"We also want to raise awareness of the fabulous contribution LGBT coaches are making to the national game."
The new Network will welcome membership from all sections of the LGBT coaching community, from grassroots to the professional game and will also welcome coaches who see themselves as allies to the LGBT coaching community.
The Network has ambitions to hold CPD sessions for its members, provide an online discussion forum and provide an opportunity for inclusive football employers to advertise coaching opportunities on their website.
The Network Launch is supported by The FA and Head of Grassroots Football Les Howie added: "We're delighted to be hosting this important event. We consider St. George’s Park to be the home of coaching and, as such, open to those on the coaching journey from all levels and backgrounds.
"Along with the work we are doing in FA Education, this network of coaches is an important step in breaking down barriers in tackling homophobia and transphobia in football."
The launch event at St George’s Park provides an opportunity for coaches to access a CPD session from one of The FA’s top-flight UEFA A licensed coaches, followed by a panel discussion featuring Ramsey along with members of the Network Steering Group.
To book a place at the event, click here.
