On Saturday 11 December 2021 HUST arranged for some individuals within the local LGBT+ community to attend the Pools V Scunthorpe game. This is in line with our equality and diversity objectives to help break down barriers that members of our community face in attending local sporting events. This was arranged through our friends at HartGables, a local LGBT+ support group and this is the feedback we received following the game:
“Last year we worked with Hartlepool United Supporters Trust to find out why some vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community felt worried about going to the match.
This year HUST helped those people attend their first match in a very long time and what a brilliant time they had!
Many football clubs around the country support the national campaign Rainbow Laces to spread the message that football should be inclusive to all – our local supporters club are not only doing that, but they have also given people an opportunity to alleviate fears and once again be a part of something they love.“
This was made possible by the players that took part in a football match to promote Rainbow Laces the day following the Scunthorpe game. In this game HUST took on Darlington Football Club Supporters Group at Stockton Town. Each player paid to play and this helped purchase laces and armbands for each team, as well as Hartlepool United themselves who wore them in the game against Rochdale, tickets for the Scunthorpe game for LGBT+ service users, and a signed Pools shirt for HartGables to use a competition prize. The Darlington players also contributed and we can’t thank them enough for them adding to our overall funds raised for the event. It was decided that the remaining money would go to HartGables so £150 was donated as a small way to help support them with their great work in our community. You can read about HartGables here and keep you eye out on their social media for when their competition launches.
The Darlington game was competitive and (generally!) played in the right spirit. The game was goalless at the break but then came to life in the second half with the match ending 2-2. This means that HUST have their first point on the board following defeats against Pools legends and Sanctuary Rangers! Thanks again to everyone that played and once again to Eddie Kyle and Tony McAndrew for managing the HUST team.