"INITIATIVES LIKE THIS HELP BREAK DOWN BARRIERS AND RAISE AWARENESS" JUSTINE LORRIMAN

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Clarets fan and FAB member discusses EFL's Rainbow Ball campaign

2025-02-12T13:00:00.000Z

"INITIATIVES LIKE THIS HELP BREAK DOWN BARRIERS AND RAISE AWARENESS" JUSTINE LORRIMAN

Clarets fan and FAB member discusses EFL's Rainbow Ball campaign

2025-02-12T13:00:00.000Z

Clarets fan and FAB member discusses EFL's Rainbow Ball campaign

As a lifelong Clarets fan, owner of the Royal Dyche and member of the Fan Advisory Board, Justine Lorriman describes never feeling closer to the Club than she does now. And it’s that topic of feeling connected that the EFL’s Rainbow Ball campaign is aiming to tackle this evening.

Pledging a commitment to ensuring football is welcoming and inclusive to everybody, the EFL and PUMA have revealed an all-new Rainbow Ball for 2025 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and serve as a reminder that football is for everyone. Alongside the branded football, supporters will see several activities at this evening’s game to promote the league wide campaign.

Ahead of kick-off Justine sits down to talk about the importance of building on campaigns such as Rainbow Ball to educate and raise awareness all year round, her long affiliation with the Clarets and using her voice to ensure fans views are heard.

“I’ve been a Burnley fan for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Burnley, it has always a huge part of my life, and going to Turf Moor became a regular routine. Some of my earliest memories are standing on the terraces with my Nanna and Grandad, soaking in the atmosphere, and experiencing that mix of excitement and nerves.

“Since running a pub near the ground I’ve never felt closer to the club than I do now. Home games pretty much revolve around work, although I still run to the game five minutes before kick-off. Away games are very different, and I get to enjoy the post-match experience with my friends and other fans!”

A popular destination on Harry Potts Way, The Royal Dyche is well known within the town, something that Justine says brings her a real sense of pride.

“I’ve been at The Royal Dyche for 12 years now, and the sense of pride I feel is immense.

“The publicity we got for changing the name was mind blowing. It’s more than just a pub; it’s a community hub where Burnley fans come together to celebrate and enjoy the atmosphere before/after a game.

“Seeing how well-known it’s become within the town and even beyond is something I am very proud of. Since buying the building in 2018 I have invested so much time and money into the venue. All the memorabilia and shirts make it look unique, it’s great that so many Burnley fans have donated their own items too.”

Justine’s connection to the Club is strengthened even further, as she is also a member of the Fan Advisory Board. Launched ahead of the 2023/24 season, the purpose of the board is to have a consultative panel of supporters who work alongside the club with the primary purpose of engaging in conversations, exchanging information or ideas, and securing feedback from the fan’s perspective.

So, how did Justine get involved?

"INITIATIVES LIKE THIS HELP BREAK DOWN BARRIERS AND RAISE AWARENESS" JUSTINE LORRIMAN - Image 1

“Being so passionate about Burnley FC, I wanted to have a voice in shaping the future of the club and ensuring our fans views are heard. When the opportunity came up to be part of the Fan Advisory Board, I knew I had to go for it.

“It’s a privilege to represent the fanbase and help strengthen the connection between the club and its supporters. Burnley has always been a club built on community, and I wanted to play a role in keeping that strong - I feel because I’ve been a fan for so long and run a business so close to the ground, I get a good feel of what many of our fanbase want. Although we had some teething problems to begin with, I feel we were starting to make a difference.”

Tonight’s game is the Club’s dedicated Rainbow Ball fixture and Justine believes the campaign is hugely important in opening up the conversation on the topic.

“Campaigns like Rainbow Ball are hugely important because it’s a conversation starter for inclusion in football. For a long time, discussion around LGBTQ+ issues in the sport didn’t happen enough, and initiatives like this help break down barriers and raise awareness.

“Football is for everyone, seeing clubs and leagues actively push for change is a step in the right direction. The more visible these campaigns are, the more they help people understand the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.”

As One Club for All, Burnley FC have pledged commitment to ensuring everybody feels welcome in football. Does Justine feel like she has seen change in this area?

“I think we have seen progress in regard to addressing these issues, but there’s still work to be done. The conversation around inclusivity in football is much louder now, and more players, clubs, and fans are standing up for what is right.

“Clubs are taking a lot of steps to make stadiums more welcoming, and there’s a real push to tackle discrimination. Change doesn’t happen overnight, it’s important to keep the momentum going so that football becomes a truly safe and inclusive space for everyone.

“I think that homophonic abuse in football is more online based - not so much in stadiums. Being strict on banning orders has helped and ensuring that there are ways to easily report abuse.

“You only need to look at the kit Sunderland launched online recently and click through the comments. So, it’s a balance of the campaigns raising awareness but also being aware that they can invite conversation and comments that are unwelcome.”

Pleased at the signs of progress so far, Justine says she’d like to see clubs be more proactive all year round to build on campaigns such as Rainbow Ball.

“I’d love to see even more proactive work from clubs, including Burnley, in terms of education and awareness. Hosting regular fan-led discussions, increasing visibility of an LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, making sure inclusivity is a year-round focus rather than just during campaigns like Rainbow Laces.

“We want every fan to feel completely welcome and supported at Turf Moor. I think linking this kind of awareness with the national pride events would also help.”

"INITIATIVES LIKE THIS HELP BREAK DOWN BARRIERS AND RAISE AWARENESS" JUSTINE LORRIMAN - Image 2

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