Manchester United just unveiled a new partnership with Stonewall – the LGBT+ equality charity – to improve the club's diversity, inclusivity and representation of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.

As part of the partnership, the club will sign up to Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, which helps employers embed LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace. The club will also receive expert consultation and participate in Stonewall's 'Workplace Allies' programme to help non-LGBT employees across the club and Manchester United Foundation find ways to actively support and promote an LGBT-inclusive culture.

United have been making strides in the area for a while and were the first football club to join Stonewall’s TeamPride coalition in 2017, using the power of sport to promote equality and tackle discrimination in sport and wider society. The club has also supported Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, created an internal Pride Network for LGBT+ employees, and last year launched its first LGBT+ Supporters’ group, Rainbow Devils.

It reiterates the club's efforts to make football more diverse and inclusive, following its commitment the FA's Football Leadership Diversity Code which includes targets around diversifying a club's senior leadership and coaching teams.

With clubs like Manchester United making big strides in their effort to make the game more diverse and inclusive, hopefully other clubs will follow suit and make the game of football accessible for everyone and reflective of society.