By Sally Romeo 
As a global sport with millions of fans, football has the power to raise awareness and effect change on important social and political issues. In recent years, we have seen a growing movement of footballers and clubs using their platform to speak out on issues such as racism, homophobia, and inequality.
One of the most high-profile examples of football and activism was the decision by the entire squad of English football team, Bristol City, to take a knee before a match in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The gesture, which was inspired by American football player Colin Kaepernick, sparked a wider debate about racism in football and beyond.
Another example of football and activism is the “Rainbow Laces” campaign, which was launched by UK gay rights charity Stonewall to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in football. The campaign sees players and clubs show their support by wearing rainbow laces on their boots, and has been endorsed by the Premier League and other major football organizations.
In addition to raising awareness on social issues, football and activism can also be used to effect change on a political level. For instance, in 2019 a number of footballers in the Spanish league refused to play a match as a protest against the imprisonment of Catalan political leaders. The players’ action drew attention to the issue and sparked a wider debate about human rights and political freedom.
Overall, the relationship between football and activism is an important one. As a sport with a global audience, football has the power to raise awareness and spark change on a wide range of issues. Whether it’s through high-profile gestures like taking a knee, or more grassroots initiatives like the Rainbow Laces campaign, football can be a powerful force for good in the world.