Players from the Cambridge University rugby and football teams have announced a partnership with LGBT charity Stonewall UK by wearing rainbow-coloured laces on their boots.  

The laces are part of Stonewall’s campaign to promote equality for members of the LGBT community in British sport, and will be worn by Cambridge women’s captain Gerda Bachrati at tomorrow’s Varsity double header at Barnet’s Hive Stadium.

Newly-appointed Cambridge women’s rugby captain Lara Gibson, a Veterinary Sciences student at Lucy Cavendish, has spoken out in favour of the campaign. “We’re wearing rainbow laces to send a clear message that all sport – either as a participant or supporter – is for everyone,” she said.

“Around the world, many LGBT+ people want to take part in sport, either as players or fans, but the behaviour of a minority can make people feel unwelcome, unsafe or unable to be themselves. 

“There’s a lot of work left to do to ensure that all LGBT+ people feel able to participate in sport, and we hope to see many more sports teams, including professional clubs, join us and others in the Rainbow Laces campaign to make this a reality.”

Trinity Hall Fellow and Cambridge Equality Champion Dr Nick Bampos also welcomed the move: “I’m proud to see our teams joining Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, encouraging all of us to do our part in making all people feel welcome in sport.

“It’s crucial for organisations like the University of Cambridge to show we not only welcome LGBT+ people, but are active in leading positive change”