Exeter City is proposing to use flags of nations bunting outside the stadium on match days to confirm their commitment to diversity.
We would like your help, if you know of any City supporters overseas please make sure their national flag is represented by email to: customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk.
The EFL’s code of practice on equality and diversity was introduced as part of a commitment to English football’s Inclusion and anti-discrimination action plan which ensures clubs are inclusive across all sections of their business.
This incorporates match day operations, general operations, community trust, youth development, fans and the first team. At the end of season 2016, nine clubs in the EFL had been assessed as meeting the code of practice foundation level, setting the benchmark for others to follow. Exeter City was proudly one of those clubs. Our current equality and diversity policy can be read here.
The bunting is being sponsored by Fans for Diversity who have been extremely supportive. As well as being used on match days it will be made available for the annual One Game One Community matches at Exeter University and the Respect festival stall at Belmont Park.
Fans for Diversity is a joint initiative by the FSF (Football Supporters Federation) and Kick It Out. It has a simple aim – to celebrate diversity among football fans and ensure that all fans can feel safe and welcome at football. Like us they are committed to ensuring the world’s greatest game is for everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation or any other feature.
Since its launch in 2014 Fans for Diversity has delivered on that aim with a huge array of activities which have inspired participation from communities who might not otherwise have got involved with the beautiful game.
Anwar Uddin is the FSF’s diversity and campaigns manager and he wants Football to engage with supporters across all levels of the game: “I grew up in East London and support West Ham United. I was fortunate enough to play for the club and won the FA Youth Cup in 1999 before moving on. When I was at Dagenham & Redbridge, I became the first British Asian to captain a side in the Football League.”
It was during his spell at Dagenham that he made appearances at SJP: “Football brings people together and that’s what Fans for Diversity is about - bringing together fans to highlight diversity and to create an environment where fans feel safe and comfortable in supporting their team.
"We work closely with all fans and relevant organisations to help challenge these issues and like Exeter City aim to make football as inclusive as possible.”
Thank you for your support.