The Southern League is committed to promoting and celebrating diversity in football.
We want everyone involved with our Member Clubs, be it players, staff, volunteers or supporters, to feel safe and welcome at games regardless of age, disability, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.
Recently, for the first-ever time, we have appointed a Diversity Director, Stephen Hyde, whose remit is to share examples of good practice by member clubs, provide signposting to resources available to clubs wishing to improve their EDI profile and act as a point of contact for supporters/players wishing to raise issues, if they feel unable to raise it with their own club.
“This is a new position created for the first time,” said Stephen Hyde. “Whilst we are still at the very early stages of the process, progress is already being made.
“A series of Zoom meetings have taken place involving our clubs and various organisations and we are excited to see how things develop and grow in this area.
“We want to engage with our clubs and supporter groups to spread the message that the Southern League is all-inclusive, providing a matchday experience across all four of our divisions that can be enjoyed by everyone, without fear of discrimination and abuse.
“Enhancing a club’s diversity can also lead to financial benefits, acting as a mechanism to tap into new markets.
“It will also make a club more attractive for investment and funding, and open up new opportunities through increased community involvement, so there are many facets to this.”
To celebrate and showcase the strength of the diversity within the Southern League, we would like to hear your stories.
We kick off with an article from Katie Wilson, a trans woman and supporter of Hitchin Town. Here is her story.
A few weeks back, I attended my first Hitchin Town football match, which may not seem like a big deal but, believe me, it is when you are a trans woman.
When I went before, I went with my friend and I had a really nice time; I must have enjoyed it because I decided to go again for the match against AFC Telford United, only this time it was on my own.
So, this was another big step in my journey, and even though Hitchin is a very friendly club, it's difficult to put into words how hard it is, because you still don't get a lot of people like me at football.
It was bitter cold as kick-off approached; I had time to pop into the bar and get myself a blackcurrant and soda (a hot drink would probably have been a better choice!) and I purchased myself a scarf from the Club Shop (there's no going back now!).
Because of the weather, I decided that the stand was my best option. It was pretty crowded, and I know that I got a few looks and a few comments were whispered among friends but I expect that.
I'm sure, if some spoke to me, they would be surprised at the depth of football knowledge that I have.
I made my way to the back of the stand with my drink. By now, what with the weather, my nerves and the cold drink inside me I found myself shaking a bit.
I prayed that I might get someone to talk to, and my prayers were answered when a man stood next to me. I found out that he was a Millwall season-ticket holder (there were no Championship games that day, as England were playing).
The highlight of the first half was the opening goal from a free-kick for Hitchin, where the ball cracked the underside of the bar before going in, giving the ‘keeper no chance. Unfortunately, Hitchin were unable to hold onto their lead.
The second half followed the same pattern with lots of hard work and endeavour, but not much in the way of clear-cut chances. AFC Telford seemed to me to be the better ball playing team but I was disappointed in them for a team sitting third in the table, but then that can also be down to Hitchin's fighting spirit.
If anyone was going to snatch a late winner, I thought that it would be the visitors, but Hitchin did enough to hold on and end a long run of defeats.
As for me, it was another successful day in my journey and I am sure that it will get easier every time. In my opinion, it's about breaking down barriers. Football should be for anyone, and I'm trying to do my bit to help.
I hope that by sharing my thoughts and feelings, it might give an understanding to those who might find what I do a bit odd.
I've always loved football. I wasn't a bad player, I was Player of the Year for my village team, when I was 11. Ray Stewart of West Ham and Scotland presented me with my trophy. I used to go to Chelmsford City as a youngster and stand at the Wolsey end, then later on, on the North Bank at Highbury.
I'm still the same person, as I was all those years ago. I just need to express myself differently. I never ever thought that I would go to football as Katie, that was always a dream.
It's been a battle along the way, an inner battle. It's only because of my faith that I am still here. At the end of the day, it's just clothes, a wig and a bit of make-up, but in other ways it's so much more than that.
I'm not brave, I'm just doing what I need to do.
- Katie Wilson
For all equality, diversity and inclusion communications relating to the Southern League, and to share your story for publication here on the website, please email: sfl.diversity@gmail.com | SEND EMAIL
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