The Rainbow Spireites group is the official Chesterfield FC LGBTQ+ and allies supporters’ club.
Having launched last July, Rainbow Spireites are proud to launch their new website in Pride Month 2024.
Darren Yates from the group said: “As we are now well into Pride month, we have been reflecting on the amazing first full season that Rainbow Spireites have had supporting Chesterfield.
“Since our official launch at Chesterfield Pride last July, aside from enjoying the amazing on-field performance by both men’s and women’s teams, as Chesterfield FC’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ group we have continued to go from strength to strength.
“Working closely with both the club and Community Trust, our aim is to further enhance the inclusive environment Chesterfield FC already has, allowing all Spireites to be their authentic selves, celebrating diversity and inclusion and driving a positive change in attitudes.”
Peter Whiteley, the club’s company secretary and governance officer, added: “We want Chesterfield FC to be a truly community club that is accessible to all.
“Now we are back in the EFL, we are part of the Together strategy that supports Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our Rainbow Spireites are a vital part of this.
“It is great to see how far the group has come in such a short time. It is also brilliant to see the trophy that recognises this in the club’s trophy cabinet!”
Darren reflected on the success of the group so far, saying: “We are proud to be one of the founding members of a Regional Alliance of local LGBTQ+ football supporter groups, showing that, while fierce rivals on the pitch, we can all work together to provide mutual support, empowering each group to reach their full potential.
“Outside of returning to the EFL, our proudest moment of last season was attending the Football vs Homophobia award ceremony and collecting the winners’ trophy on behalf of Chesterfield FC, a well-deserved recognition of all the work the Club and Community Trust have done on inclusion and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
“Looking ahead, we are excited to launch our new website. We are also having a stall at Chesterfield Pride again on July 21, so if you are going for what is a great day out, please feel free to come over and say hello. More importantly though, we are looking to supporting the club in its first season back in the Football League and hoping we can carry last season’s great form into the next.
“Happy Pride from Rainbow Spireites. We’re All Town, aren’t we?!”
The group’s website can be found here: https://www.rainbowspireites.co.uk/
