Blues forward Conor Chaplin has stressed the importance of inclusivity ahead of this evening’s home match with Derby, Town’s designated 2022/23 Rainbow Laces fixture.
Rainbow Laces, which is also being supported by the women’s team when they host MK Dons on Sunday, aims to promote equality and inclusivity within sport for LGBTQ+ people, as well as tackling discrimination.
Earlier this year, Chaplin became an ambassador for Rainbow Tractors, the club’s official LGBTQ+ supporters group.
"The inclusivity of everyone is huge,” the 25-year-old told the club site. "We want people from all backgrounds - all sexualities, all genders - coming to our games.
"It’s crucial to have that togetherness within the community and in the stands. Showing that support from the pitch is absolutely crucial.
"I met some really lovely people from Rainbow Tractors. It’s such a good organisation and the way that they’re trying to spread the message and awareness is huge. As footballers, it’s crucial that we buy into that and help in whatever way we can.”
Reflecting on tonight’s match, the former Portsmouth man added: "It’ll be a tough game. They had a big influx of good players in the summer. There’s a lot of quality and Championship experience in that team.
"It’s two big teams in the division and they recently appointed a new manager [Paul Warne]. We know what to expect from them but it is a different squad of players to what he had at Rotherham as well.
"They have good players and a good manager so it’ll be tough, but it’s a challenge that everyone is relishing. It’s one we’re really looking forward to.
"Those sorts of crowds at home are incredible. It’s nothing that we are not too familiar with now, but it's massive for us as well in terms of how much they can get behind us.
"On the back of the disappointing loss last time out at home, we’ll be hoping to give them something to put smiles on their faces so they can go home happy.”