EFL and PUMA have unveiled an all-new Rainbow match ball for the second consecutive year, in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. A powerful initiative that serves a reminder that football is for everyone, everywhere.
In recent years we have seen a stronger commitment to making football an inclusive sport for all and breaking down the walls of diversity. Players wearing rainbow captain armbands are just one of the many ways football clubs are attempting to do this. Last year, PUMA unveiled the very first Rainbow match ball to raise awareness about inclusion in football and now it has been confirmed that this will be returning for the second year running.
All 72 EFL clubs from the Championship, League one and League Two will be playing with the Rainbow match ball from 6-17 February as part of Football v Homophobia’s Month of Action, to demonstrate their ongoing support to the community.
EFL Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Birch said: “The EFL has an important role to play in ensuring our game is representative of and welcoming to all the communities we represent. The Rainbow ball stands as representation of our work with Clubs throughout the season and is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and we stand proudly together against homophobia.”
Once again, PUMA will donate money for every goal scored with the Rainbow ball across all three leagues. Last year, the money was donated to an LGTBQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund which helped to deliver events promoting diversity and provide resources to people in the community. This year, however, the money will be donated to Football v Homophobia (FvH) – supporting their ongoing fight against discrimination.
Lucynda Davies, Managing Director for PUMA UK&I, said: “At PUMA, we are proud to once again support the LGBTQ+ community with the return of the Rainbow Ball. Football is a sport that brings people together, and we believe it should be inclusive of everyone, everywhere. Our ongoing partnership with the EFL and our donation for each goal scored with the Rainbow Ball is just one of the ways we are committed to promoting diversity and standing against discrimination in all forms. Together, we can make football a more welcoming and inclusive space for all.”
EA Sports also wanted a piece of the action, joining the important initiative for the second year – with EAFC players able to select to play with this ball for gameplay.
The Orbita ball sees slight changes to last season's version, but with the same main focus; the rainbow and progress colours are fashioned in a disruptive graphic, featuring the PUMA logo in a rainbow gradient.
The Rainbow Match Ball is available now at prodirectsport.com/soccer
