EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

In football, every kick, goal and cheer counts. But we know there’s one thing that counts even more - RESPECT!

Reading is the second most diverse place in the country, according to new research and as a club at the heart of the community we’re proud to champion the values of unity and equality, striving to create a safe haven that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

We are committed to identifying, confronting and eliminating discrimination, whether by reason of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, age, ethnic and national origin, pregnancy or maternity, disability or gender reassignment.

We intend to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as match-days fans, staff, players, board members, participants in community programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so

9 PROTECTED CHARACTERISTICS...

- Age

- Disability

- Gender Reassignment

- Marriage & Civil Partnership

- Pregnancy & Maternity

- Race

- Religion or Belief

- Sex

- Sexual Orientation

Reading City Football Club is proud to be a Kick It Out Equality Chartered Club

As a Kick It Out Equality Chartered Club, we are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all participants by applying equality, diversity and inclusion in our day-to-day operations.

Reading City Football Club is committed to promoting awareness of the benefits of equality, inclusion and diversity with a clear understanding that football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it.

We will take a stance assuring good practice is encouraged internally and to our sponsors, partners and the wider community.

As part of our commitment to the eradication of discrimination in football and the promotion of equality, inclusion and diversity, a minimum of one member of our board and/or coaching staff will be fully educated on the procedures around reporting incidents of discrimination – including through the appointed officials, our county FA, the Kick It Out website and app.

Reading City Football Club has been proudly partnered with Her Game Too since July 2023, joining a number of other clubs from the Premier League, EFL, National League and beyond.

Founded in May 2021, Her Game Too is a voluntary organisation ran by female football fans who are committed to growing the campaign with the aim of fostering an ethos in football in which women are welcomed and respected equally.

As a Her Game Too Partner Club we are committed to help stamp out sexist abuse and create a welcoming atmosphere for women at both home and away matches.

Our Partnership with Her Game Too will also see us work with our Sister Club, Tilehurst Panthers to promote Girls & Women’s Football within our community.

Look out for our dedicated Her Game Too fixture during the season, further announcements will be made on our social media & website.

Our Her Game Too ambassador is our Club Treasurer and Facilities Manager, Victoria Pyke

Reading City Football is proud to call Tilehurst Panthers, which is one of the largest girls' only clubs in and around Reading our sister club, you can learn more about our partnership by clicking below

Reading City Football Club is proud to support The Rainbow Laces campaign. Run by Stonewall, a registered charity which supports the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, while the Rainbow Laces campaign celebrates lesbian, gay, bi and trans inclusion in football.

The campaign aims to use the power of football to make the game more accessible, enjoyable and welcoming to all supporters.

Every season we host a dedicated Rainbow Laces fixture, so please keep an eye on our social media and website for further announcements.

REPORTING HATE CRIME

Hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity. To report a Hate Crime, visit here:

Hate crime | Your Options | Thames Valley Police (thamesvalley.police.uk)

KICK IT OUT

Reporting is our greatest weapon against discrimination in football – without it we are fighting in the dark.

So, if you experience or witness any form of anti-social behaviour, abuse or discrimination. Please help eliminate it from the game by reporting it to a club official, via www.kickitout.org or by using the Kick It Out app

REPORT ONLINE ABUSE

USEFUL LINKS