Bristol Rovers is delighted to have achieved Bronze in the EFL Equality Code of Practice.
Rovers’ award comes after the Club, in collaboration with Bristol Rovers Community Trust, submitted evidence of its extensive equality, diversity and inclusion practices.
The implementation of a permanent, bespoke platform for wheelchair users at The Memorial Stadium - designed thanks to extensive work done by the Disabled Supporters Association and used for the first time in the home match with Shrewsbury Town on Monday 1 April - was just one submitted by the club for consideration by the EFL.
The design of the 2023/24 Away Kit also led the way in celebrating diversity and the unifying force of football, incorporating raised, readable braille within the shirt.
Bristol Rovers’ Club Chairman Hussain AlSaeed said: “The Club is delighted to have achieved Bronze status in the EFL’s Equality Code of Conduct.
“One of our key cornerstones at Rovers is ensuring our Club is a safe and welcoming venue for every supporter, member of staff and visitor, regardless of age, disability, gender, faith, ethnicity or sexuality.
“I would like to congratulate all of our staff across the Club and Community Trust in achieving this standard.”
Initially launched in 2012, the EFL’s Equality Code of Practice was revamped to become a multi-level accreditation scheme at the start of the 2022/23 season, which will see every one of the 72 Clubs assessed on their EDI practices by the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
EFL Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, David McArdle said: “Our 72 Clubs represent people from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds and its absolutely vital that they are representative of those communities whether that be on the pitch, in the boardroom or in the stands.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see Clubs like Huddersfield and Watford striving for excellence in this area and highlighting what can be achieved. Across the Leagues the progress being made is very encouraging and the EFL will continue to support and empower all Clubs to make a positive impact on their communities and the wider game.”