Bath Rugby Foundation: The Rainbow Laces campaign

Bath Rugby Foundation, the charitable arm of Bath Rugby, is supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign which aims to break down the barriers some LGBT people face when it comes to participating in sport.

Many suffer from bullying and gender stereotypes when at school, which often prevents young people from taking part, particularly in team sports, as they feel they will be unwelcome.

The Rainbow Laces campaign, which runs from November 17 to December 7, campaign aims to bridge this gap and raise awareness of equality.

As part of the Project Rugby programme, an initiative focused on inclusivity in the sport, Bath Rugby Foundation will run a series of sessions with Off the Record BANES LGBT+ group that meet at the Percy Community Centre in Bath.

Senior Foundation Coach, Curtis Arber said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign this year at Bath Rugby Foundation.

“At Bath Rugby Foundation we believe sport is for everyone and we promote inclusion in everything we do.

“The Project Rugby programme has welcomed people from all parts of the community to a new sport and over the past few years we’ve seen so many people experience the fun and camaraderie that rugby offers.

“If you want to give rugby a try, please come along. We guarantee a warm welcome.”

Phil Walters, Director, Off the Record B&NES, said: ”We exist to provide young people with a safe space to be themselves and be happy. Our SPACE group are working with Bath Rugby Foundation on the Rainbow Laces campaign and aiming to support young people to access a whole range of sports. Look out for our social media campaign that will be led by the young people."

As part of this campaign, Bath Rugby Foundation volunteers will be selling rainbow laces for £2 a pair at Bath Rugby’s Gallagher Premiership game against Worcester Warriors at the Rec on Saturday, November 17.

On Sunday, November 18, Bath Rugby Ladies will be running their first open, mixed ability training session at Lambridge Training Ground to launch their new development mixed ability team for women aged 17+. The open training session starts at 12pm, followed by a double header for Bath Rugby Ladies 1st XV playing Thurrock and the 2nd XV against Westbury. Both teams will be sporting their rainbow laces to help raise awareness of the campaign.

Bath Rugby Foundation coaches are currently offering free introductions to the sport at our Project Rugby hubs. Sessions run on a Monday from 6.30pm to 8pm at Midsomer Norton RFC and at the new 4G sports pitch at Mulberry Park in Bath every Thursday from 4.30pm to 6pm.

For more information or to get involved in any of these activities, please email [email protected]