A message from our Founder: 5 years of Rainbow Blades

Five years ago, Rainbow Blades was just a spark, then an idea born, sadly, from homophobia I had heard at Bramall Lane when we were competing in League One. That seems like a long time ago now.

When I launched Rainbow Blades in 2020, I had a clear goal: to create a welcoming, visible, and safe space for LGBTQ+ Sheffield United supporters. Fast forward 5 years and this community, our community, has grown into the juggernaut it is today. We now have over 800 members, strong support from our allies, are a double award-winning group, and are now a large community of Blades and even wider than that, nationally & internationally recognised. But also, more importantly is the sheer amount of LGBTQ+ Blades that now feel closer than they have ever done before to their beloved football club, and the fact they feel empowered to attend matches as their authentic selves.

From day one, we found support. We found it in fellow fans who understood the importance of visibility, we found it in Sheffield United & the Community Foundation, we found it in the growing community of LGBTQ+ football supporters’ groups across the country, who welcomed us into something bigger and we found it in organisations and charities.

Over these five years, Rainbow Blades has grown into one of the largest and most active LGBTQ+ supporters' groups in the country. We’ve represented at national forums, walked together in Pride marches, collaborated with other groups, and worked closely with Sheffield United & the Community Foundation on campaigns, anti-discrimination work and charity football matches.

Our journey has been marked by meaningful milestones. We’ve taken part in Rainbow Laces, Rainbow Ball & Football v Homophobia campaigns, professional players have become champions, we’ve created & delivered our own campaigns such as Play your Part & Proud Allies, won two national awards, empowered our members, helped set up a Regional Alliance of LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Groups, and made real change in the game.

We've also built a genuine community. Through social events, matchday meetups, online connections (especially during lockdown) and supportive networks, we’ve made sure no one feels alone.

We are deeply grateful to Sheffield United & the Community Foundation for their ongoing partnership and commitment, as well as our sponsors, the Regional Alliance and organisations such as the Football Supporters’ Association and Football v Homophobia.

We also thank our fellow supporters. The Blades community has, time and time again, demonstrated that football can be a place of celebration and allyship.

We want every LGBTQ+ fan, current and future, to know that there is a place for them at Bramall Lane. A place where they can be themselves, safely and proudly, while supporting the club they love.

At Rainbow Blades, we are more than just a Sheffield United supporters’ group. We are making a difference in the world of football. Football is for everyone. Sheffield United is for everyone.

We celebrate LGBTQ+ fans, players, staff, and allies who continue to push for visibility & inclusion. We stand for love, we stand for authenticity, we stand for unity.

We are proud to wear the red, white, and black of Sheffield United, and we’re even prouder to do so while being our authentic selves.

To every LGBTQ+ person who has ever felt afraid in the stands, in the changing room, or in their own skin: you belong in football. You belong in this club – exactly as you are.

And to every ally, your voice matters. Your actions matter. Keep showing up. Keep speaking out. Keep helping us build a game, and a society, where hate has no home.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we are louder. And together, we are United for All.

As Founder and Chair, I’ve had the enormous privilege of watching this group grow into something truly special. I want to say thank you to every member, committee member, and supporter who has been part of this journey. This group isn’t just a supporters’ group. It’s a family.

Leading Rainbow Blades for the past 5 years has been one of the greatest honours of my life. We make a promise to every LGBTQ+ Blades fan that they have a place at Bramall Lane. We stand shoulder to shoulder, united by our shared love for Sheffield United.

Here’s to where we’ve come from, here’s to the future we’re still creating, here’s to five years of Rainbow Blades. UTB!

Rainbow Blades Founder & Chair James Laley