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First ever #StrongerTogether event held at Wembley Stadium
11 February 2019
Delegates at the first ever #StrongerTogether event hosted at Wembley Stadium as part of LGBT History Month 2019.
On Tuesday 5th February JUST A BALL GAME? (JBG?) held #StrongerTogether their first ever seminar, as part of LGBT History Month 2019 celebrations.
The event was hosted by The FA, whose chairman Greg Clarke mixed with delegates and the day was supported by UCFB, GMB Trade Union, KICK IT OUT (FFD), The Professional Footballers’ Association,and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Around 100 people gathered to hear speakers and guest panellists from a wide sector, all who had partnered with JBG? over the previous eight years.
Two of JBG?’s patrons, Adam McCabe and Neville Southall, were speakers alongside former Women’s Football Association‘s Patricia Gregory, Bradford Labour councillor Richard Dunbar and Merseyside Police ACC, Julie Cooke, while K2 Collective provided the ‘half time’ entertainment.
Actor Kieran Hardcastle, one of the event presenters, said, "The #StrongerTogether event provided a long overdue opportunity for key voices up and down the country to discuss pressing issues from the LGBT+ community, against the backdrop of the home of football, Wembley Stadium.”
“Attending the Just a ball game? (JBG?) #StrongerTogether conference, was both inspiring and educational. With panel discussions, breakout sessions and numerous remarkable speakers the day really was one I’m glad I didn’t miss. It was quite evident early on that the #StrongerTogether theme was important, at a time when the country feels so divided," added Steve, from Notts County’s LGBT Pies.
The final word belongs to Alan Mercel-Sanca, JBG? Male Co-Chair, who said: “Our JBG? #StrongerTogether event will be seen as a turning point in the UK in sport and beyond where partnerships of dynamic kinds developed or became further consolidated.
"The spirit of the event was a 'can do, will do' one in which realisation of building a strong thriving inclusive society in which prejudice and its evils have a real sell by date coming, manifested through the realisation that this is only possible through the vision and character of real meaningful partnerships making us all- LGBT+, Allies, BME, #StrongerTogether!“
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It was quite evident early on that the #StrongerTogether theme was important, at a time when the country feels so divided."