The Foundation played an important role in the creation and implementation of the club’s ground-breaking Everyone Anyone diversity and inclusion initiative, and is celebrating all that has been achieved so far.
So, what has the Foundation done to ensure Rangers is open to all regardless of gender, sexuality, faith, age or ethnicity?
Diversity and inclusion has been a key pillar for the Foundation for many years, which is reflected in the work they do within the local community.
Prior to launching Everyone Anyone, coaches were already delivering:
Free Autism Friendly Football sessions for 60 youngsters aged 5 – 16 each week
Free football sessions for children living with visual impairments
Diversity Wins: a programme for primary school children which aims to promote equality between young people via interactive anti-sectarianism and LGBT+ awareness sessions
Working alongside the club, the Foundation’s Director, Connal Cochrane, has chaired the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group for two years – helping to engage CEMVO Scotland (Centre for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations) and support the launch of Everyone Anyone.
Since then, the Foundation have proudly expanded their Diversity and Inclusion pillar by :
Launching a new anti-racism and anti-discrimination programme with Show Racism the Red Card and the European Football for Development Network, aiming to raise awareness of diversity, foster social cohesion and reduce physical and verbal violence linked to racism
Expanding and updating the existing Diversity and Inclusion project via a partnership with TIE (Time for Inclusive Education)
Working with the Rangers Academy to deliver bespoke anti-sectarian workshops to students
Hosting an inclusive football tournament with LEAP (Leadership, Equality and Active Participation in Sports)
Hosting Open Door events at Ibrox with the club and CEMVO Scotland
Engaging with Ibrox Pride to bring the Rangers Family together for MardiGla
Supporting the club in its recognition of the Rainbow Laces campaign
This work has culminated in the Foundation receiving accolades both national and internationally, most recently being shortlisted for the Diversity in Sport category at the Sports Business Awards 2020. Recently, the Foundation and club was also nominated for a Proud Scotland Award, celebrating its work within the LGBT+ community.
Rangers Charity Foundation Director Connal Cochrane said: “From a Foundation perspective, Everyone Anyone has given us a fantastic platform to celebrate and share the existing positive work we have been doing.
“Both the club and Foundation are being increasingly recognised for their work in this area through a number of awards and award nominations.
“Reputation is really important and it is fantastic the journey we are on. Hopefully we can have a momentum that the players, the club, everyone at the Foundation and the fanbase can join us on this journey, feel proud of what we are doing and really celebrate and champion diversity.”