The PUMA ORBITA Rainbow Ball design includes the rainbow and progress colours, symbolising that football is for everyone and representing the League’s active support for inclusion throughout the game.
For every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball across the Championship, League One and League Two PUMA will make a donation to an LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund.
The funds earned will be used to assist LGBTQ+ supporters and their endeavours, which could involve diversity-promoting events, campaigns to increase awareness of inclusion in football, or the provision of resources for LGBTQ+ football fans.
EFL partners will also lend their support to the initiative. EA SPORTS FC 24TM users will be able to utilise the Rainbow Ball in gameplay starting on February 15, and Title Partners Sky Bet will provide a quantity of PUMA ORBITA Rainbow Balls to LGBTQ+ friendly community football groups and supporters.
EFL Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Birch said:
The League is honoured to commemorate LGBT History Month alongside our Clubs, partners, and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as to work with PUMA on this momentous first for English football.
“As we strive to make the game truly inclusive and representative of society, we want the Rainbow Ball to be a catalyst for opening conversations and raising awareness and understanding of the issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.”
“The Rainbow Ball symbolises the EFL’s dedication to the LGBTQ+ community and aims to improve both the game and society for the better. It also serves as a reminder that everyone should feel welcome at football.”
PUMA Group’s UKI Managing Director, Bas van den Bemt, stated:
“PUMA and the EFL are both advocates for diversity, so we’re thrilled that our new Rainbow Ball honours this collaboration in such a significant and public way.
“We are thrilled that every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball in the EFL will raise money to support Fans for Diversity and continue to raise awareness of inclusion and promote diversity in football. The Rainbow Ball is not just a piece of sports equipment; it signifies progress and aspiration.”
As advocates of diversity, Puma and the EFL are thrilled that our new Rainbow Ball honours this relationship in such a significant and noticeable way.
“We’re thrilled that every goal scored in the EFL with the Rainbow Ball will generate funds to support Fans for Diversity, spread awareness of inclusivity, and advance diversity in football. The Rainbow Ball is more than just a piece of sporting equipment. It represents progress and aspiration.”
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