One Game, One Community, One Argyle
THIS Saturday, when Bradford City visit Home Park for another huge Sky Bet League One match, we will be celebrating a city and a club that embraces diversity and inclusion.
The game takes place against the background of our One Game, One Community match-day, an event which is part of the national Kick It Out campaign that aims to tackle all forms of discrimination in football.
The day will include a football tournament, staged at Goals during the morning and early afternoon and hosted by Argyle Community Trust, where we will welcome teams including: Devon Lions; Plymouth Community Homes; Devon & Cornwall Police’s Diversity Unit; and Hope FC. Argyle will also be represented by the Trust's own Ability Counts and It’s a Goal men’s mental health teams.
Later, at the Bradford game, there will be a half-time parade by all teams and organisations, as well as a presentation of the winners’ trophy on the pitch. Please show your appreciation for the teams, some of whom have overcome adversity in order to be able to play the game they love.
As a club, we are fully committed to ensuring that everyone who attends Home Park does so in the knowledge that they can enjoy match-days in a friendly atmosphere, free from intimidation or harassment.
We are striving to become a wholly inclusive club at all levels.
It is our legal duty to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimization on the basis of age; disability; gender reassignment; pregnancy and maternity; marriage and civil partnership; ethnicity; religion and belief; gender; and sexual orientation.
Much more important than merely being a duty, it is the right thing to do - no-one should be subject to abuse or intimidation of any form because of their personal circumstances, and we have a zero tolerance approach to anyone who thinks it is acceptable to bully, intimidate or discriminate against a fellow supporter, player or member of club staff.
We encourage supporters to report any instance of inappropriate comments, chanting or behaviour. There is no definitive list of what is or is not appropriate, but, if the target of the behaviour, or anyone else who hears it, feels uncomfortable, then the chances are that it is not acceptable.
Any concerns should be reported to the nearest steward who will take appropriate action, or reported via the Kick it Out App.
Alternatively, contact the Club Secretary after the match with as much information as possible.
We have taken, and will continue to take, robust action against anyone who cannot behave in a responsible and tolerant manner. This includes the issuing of club banning orders for racist or homophobic comments and other forms of discrimination.
Help us to celebrate diversity and please ensure that your actions do not spoil the experience of any other supporters.
For more information on our inclusive programmes running weekly throughout the year, please visit www.argylecommunitytrust.co.uk.