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August 19, 2022
The English Football League (EFL), the largest single body of professional Clubs in European football, has released a new Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy. ‘Together’ aims to make the League and its Clubs “more reflective and representative of the communities in which they serve.”
Announced at Charlton Athletic FC this week, it sets out a five-year vision for the EFL and its 72 clubs. Core to the Together strategy is the need to work collaboratively and a desire to provide everyone with the same opportunity to succeed. Several partners will help deliver the initiative, including Kick it Out, the Professional Footballers Association (PFA), Women in Football, Level Playing Field, Pride Sports and Fans for Diversity. The EFL Inclusion team will support Clubs with ongoing education opportunities to ensure knowledge and understanding of EDI-related topics, which will empower them to make a positive impact for their communities and the game.
“While football has made strides, it continues to face challenges that are reflected across society and with over 20 million attending EFL matches each season and millions more watching around the world, the League will use its platform to challenge unwelcome behaviors and promote inclusive practices, to help drive change on the pitch, in club offices, in the stands and within the communities which Clubs call home,” said David McArdle, the EFL’s Head of EDI.
In January, the EFL outlined its intention to tackle the growth of anti-social behavior in the game with a threat of increased police action. It came after last season was disrupted by regular accounts of offensive chants, pitch invasions, fans throwing objects and racial abuse on social media. According to Kick it Out, in the 2021-22 season there was a 41% increase in reports of discrimination and abuse from the grassroots game, with an 8% drop in reports overall. Reports of racism are most common, accounting for 54% of accounts.
The headline objectives of the strategy include:
• Ensure the workforce is representative and reflective of the communities its clubs represent
• Improve the diversity of supporters attending EFL matches
• Continue to challenge discrimination and behavior both in stands and across social media
• Establish a path for continual EDI development for clubs
• Improve the understanding of EDI across the game
“Of course, a strategy won’t deliver progress on its own, but with 60% of the population living within a 10-mile radius of an EFL club, and with over 20 million supporters entering through the turnstiles each season, the EFL is as well placed as anyone to grasp the opportunity to make meaningful changes to the town, cities and populations that they represent,” wrote EFL CEO, Trevor Birch.
Along with the strategy, teams have been wearing new badges sporting the Together branding, which will continue throughout the season.
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