Tottenham Hotspur’s LGBT+ supporters association, the Proud Lilywhites, has been nominated for a gong in the Football Supporters Federation annual awards. 

The Proud Lilywhites, was launched in 2014 and is one of six supporter groups to be shortlisted for the Fans For Diversity Award with the winner being announced at a ceremony on 4^th December in London.

Commenting on the nomination co-chairs Chris Paouros and Simon Gray said:

“We’re delighted that the Proud Lilywhites work has been recognised among the football supporting family and are really pleased that the work of LGBT+ fan groups is being highlighted with two of the six nominations going to LGBT+ groups. The field is really strong with some great work being showcased; it really illustrates that being a football fan is also about being part of your community.”

The fan group’s three key objectives are to educate, to socialise and to campaign and this year has seen the association excel in all three.  2017’s key achievements so far include:

• Receiving positive coverage in a number of national newspapers, LGBT+ websites and football media for its handling of the news of the signing of Serge Aurier. The statement around the transfer saw the groups biggest social media impact, with Twitter impressions topping 260,000
• Spearheading Tottenham Hotspur’s work in the Fare ‘football people’ fortnight of action
• Facilitating a workshop at Pride In Football’s ‘Call It Out’ conference in alongside the Club’s Head Of Supporter Services
• Speaking on the panel for Kick It Out’s ‘evening at the AMEX’ alongside Liam Rosenior, Hope Powell, Anwar Uddin and Sophie Cook
• Appearing on a panel alongside Greg Clarke at the Stonewall Rainbow Laces Summit
• Launch of the Football V Homophobia (FvH) month of action with keynote address from Donna Cullen, Tottenham Hotspur Executive Director
• Diversity and equality training session with Senior staff at White Hart Lane
• Various media opportunities include Sky Sports, BBC, 90 Minutes, Guardian Football Podcast and more
• Regular match day meet ups both at Wembley and in other venues for TV screenings

Commenting on the nomination, Donna Cullen, Tottenham Hotspur’s Executive Director:

“This nomination is testament to the fantastic work that Proud Lilywhites delivers promoting inclusion at Tottenham Hotspur – something that the Club is extremely passionate about. 

“We should like to take this opportunity to wish Proud Lilywhites the best of luck at the Fans for Diversity Awards, alongside all other nominated organisations who are truly making a difference within our game.”

Future plans for the Proud Lilywhites include:

• Activities to promote Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign
• A key event to mark the Football vs Homophobia Month Of Action / LGBT History Month
• To increase the number of members in the group
• To work collaboratively with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation
• To help the Tottenham Hotspur with diversity training for staff at the club
• Increased awareness raising of LGBT issues among the wider Spurs family.

The results of the awards will be announced at a glittering ceremony near Tower Bridge with other award nominees including for player of the year Spurs heroes Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris, the ceremony will definitely be a night to remember.

For more information on the Proud Lilywhites please visit www.proudlilwhites.uk or search for @SpursLGBT on Twitter.

For press information and interview requests please email info@proudlilywhites.uk