“The sad reality is that homophobia isn’t going away any time soon.”

The words of Scott Anderson, a heterosexual player at LGBTQI+ friendly team Charlton Invicta, and a sentence that highlights the importance of the Football v Homophobia campaign.

An international initiative, Football v Homophobia exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

February marked the latest month of action campaign and while big strides have been made, the fight to break down barriers continues.

“It’s regularly shouted from the stands at Premier League games, right down to the sidelines of Sunday League games. I’ve witnessed both, and still do,” says Anderson, discussing homophobia.

Charlton Invicta were the first LGBTQI+ friendly team to be affiliated to the community trust of a professional club when they joined forces with Charlton Athletic in 2017.

Anderson, Patrick O’Connor and Dean Chambers are among the side’s heteroesexual players and have spoken of their roles in breaking down barriers as allies to their LGBTQI+ team-mates.

“The Football v Homophobia campaign wasn’t something I was aware of before I joined Charlton Invicta,” said Chambers.

“Being a standard run-of-the-mill working straight white guy I had no friends in the LGBTQI+ community, so it wasn't until I joined Invicta that I began to understand just how bad homophobia was.

“I knew words being said would hurt people, but I didn't realise quite how prominent it was. I don't understand why anyone takes issue with a person's sexuality.

“Being part of this team and being in some ways part of the Football v Homophobia movement I do admire the hard work that goes into trying to make football more accepting of people's sexuality.

“I have been visible about who I play for and what the club is about.

“I do get questionable looks at first and the odd remark. I’m proud to be part of a club trying to make a difference.

“I try to use my place at Invicta to spread knowledge to people who may be uneducated in the topic

“The first step is education. We don’t always know the right things to say and at times we say the wrong things without knowing the effect they can have on others.

“We can all learn new things and educate ourselves and others. That’s what I did at Invicta.

“Coaches and players helped to educate me on the meaning of words and phrases and how hurtful they can be. Educate yourself and you’re halfway there.”

Anderson says the Football v Homophobia campaign will continue all the time there is prejudice in the game.

“As an ally, I want to play football in an environment where everyone is free to be who they want to be, embrace who they are, and allow everyone the opportunity to play sport the way it should be; without prejudice or outdated beliefs,” he said.

“The day everyone feels free to play football in the same welcoming environment, is the day that FvH can hang up its boots.

“In a literal sense, everyone can walk on to a football pitch and play football, but not everyone feels welcomed enough to be able to do it, and this is the problem.

"It's why Charlton Invicta is such a brilliant team to play for - because everyone feels free to do get together and share their love for the game. The players are no less gifted, no older, no younger, no less competitive.”

O’Connor is well aware of the positive impact made by Charlton Invicta, who were winners of the inaugural Football v Homophobia Grassroots Football Awards in 2020.

"Football is great for my mental health personally and I see as an ally that it also provides a safe but equal environment for those from the LGBTQI+ community,” he said.

“Invicta being open to everyone allows allies inside the LGBTQI+ community which I feel gives more acceptance and also a more educated outlook on people's choices.

“Being a straight man does not affect a gay person's life but being an ally can make an impact in the LGBTQI+ community.”