“Maybe however they identify they [referee and coach] could have their flag armband”
(Young Person, U R Potential)

• Wherever possible, support and develop adult members to become mentors.
• Consider the target group of young LGBTIQ+ people (e.g. gender, ethnicity, religious/social group, disability etc.) when selecting mentors.
• Ideally mentors will be diverse in terms of identity characteristics such as trans, non-binary, people of colour, different abilities, etc.
• The mentor’s role is about helping LGBTIQ+ young people settle in. This role is also important for supporting older young people transitioning to the adult section.
• Other adults involved with the junior section should model appropriate behaviours and can signal their own sense of pride and inclusion, e.g. by utilising flag armbands.

“There is a need for these clubs – somewhere to feel safe and included”
(Richard, Pride Out)

Being supported to feel included is vital. Stonewall School Report (2017) indicated that: “Trans students who are able to play for the sports team they feel comfortable in are three times more likely to feel welcome and included in sports lessons than those who were not (60% compared to 20%).”

Links to best practice:

The Prince’s Trust has produced this useful guidance on mentoring young people:

PrincesTrust

African Caribbean Achievement Project set out in detail what they require from volunteer mentors that may be useful for your mentor recruitment:

ACAP

Trans Can Sport highlights Sport Facilitators within the organisation, with biographies and photos, to showcase the team and provide role models for young people:

Trans Can Sport

“[An] opportunity to lead the way in the sector" (Gary, Charlton Invicta)

• Involving LGBTIQ+ young people in the running of the club can help to them to feel a sense of belonging, develop their skills and support retention.
• Develop opportunities for, and encourage young people to take on, leadership and other responsibilities to enhance their feeling of belonging.
• Consider incentivising volunteering for young people, linking time and/or effort to rewards for the individual or group.
• Note that regular volunteers aged over 16 may require a DBS Check.

“Opportunities to inspire and be inspired (Richard, Pride Out)

• Assisting the coach
• Helping publicise and promote the club
• Recruitment: encouraging other young people to join
• Club Ambassadors: promoting the club at events
• Event organiser and helper: creating ideas for events and fun social activities
• Media Producer: helping to produce and distribute promotional material for the club
• Kit and equipment support: checking it’s all there, setting up, putting away and checking it is stored properly and safely
• Peer Mentor: helping new participants to settle in 

Links to best practice and other sources of support:

Club Solutions Wales offers this useful guidance to support clubs promoting roles for young people:

Club Solutions Wales

Trans Active lists a range of varied volunteer roles:

Trans Active

“Think it helps LGBT+ individuals to feel included within a sports environment" (Young Person, U R Potential)

• Maximise opportunities for LGBTIQ+ young people to have their say and be involved in the development of the team / club.
• A co-production approach helps to foster an increased sense of ownership and support more equal

Links to best practice and other sources of support:

Action for Children has produced a comprehensive guide to co-producing services with young people:

Action for Children

The Social Care Institution for Excellence has produced helpful guidance on the benefits of a co-production approach:

Social Care Institution for Excellence

Rugby Football League have created this insightful podcast, ‘The voice of the child’, that looks at the benefits of listening to young people and including their voice in the work of the club:

RFL

“Put pictures of some of the people at the club" (Young person, U R Potential)

• For many young people, seeing people like them in the publicity of a club, as well as use of LGBTIQ+ symbols, can be a powerful invitation to get involved . It enables young people to imagine that they could belong.
• Include images of people already involved in the club, ideally with some biographies. This can help young people to feel they already have a connection when they start at the club and that a sense of belonging is possible for them.

“Make it obvious that it’s a LGBTQ+ safe space...like pride flags on advertisements or something" (Young person, U R Potential)

Links to best practice and other sources of support:

Football V Homophobia offers a lovely example of ‘meet the team’ photos and biographies:

Football v Homophobia

Youth Sports Trust provides clear guidance for staff and volunteers on using social media:

Youth Sports Trust

Black Unity Bike Ride have a great photo and video   gallery on their website that shows the people and the activities:

Black Unity Bike Ride

Charlton Invicta Football Club actively uses a range of social media to give up-to-date news and insights about the club. The club uses stories, as well as video and photographs of the activities and people involved in the club:

Charlton Invicta

London Royals Hockey Club has a broad photo section on their website:

London Royals