Argyle mark launch of EFL Rainbow match ball with surprise Argyle Pride visit

Argyle Head Coach Ian Foster and members' of the first-team squad recently surprised Argyle Pride participants at a training session to mark the launch of the EFL and PUMA's new Rainbow match ball.

The ball, which will be used by all 72 Clubs across Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two matches from February 16-24, has been launched to mark LGBTQ+ History Month.

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 money raised will be utilised to support LGBTQ+ supporters and their projects which may include initiatives to raise awareness about inclusion in football, events promoting diversity, or providing resources for LGBTQ+ fans within the football community.  

Argyle Pride is a team and programme run by the Argyle Community Trust supporting the LGBTQ+ community with the sessions offering fun, friendly, small-sided football sessions for all abilities. Sessions are open to those who identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally of the community.

Argyle Head Coach, Ian Foster said: "The game of football is for everybody. We're one football club and one Argyle, from myself, to the players, through to the staff and fans and community. 

"What Argyle Pride are doing as well as campaigns like the EFL Rainbow ball are brilliant for LGBTQ+ community and can hopefully show people around the country how important initiatives like this are."

EFL Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Birch said: “The League is proud to collaborate with PUMA on this historic first for English football and join with our Clubs, partners, and LGBTQ+ communities to celebrate LGBT History Month.  

“We want the Rainbow Ball to be a catalyst for opening conversations and raising awareness and understanding of the issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community as we work to make the game truly inclusive and representative of society.”