Former Blackpool FC and Grimsby Town manager Ian Holloway has teamed up with sports giant Puma for a new campaign aimed at raising awareness around the groundbreaking Rainbow Ball initiative.
As part of the Rainbow Ball campaign, the English Football League (EFL) is using Puma’s special-edition Rainbow Ball on the pitch for a two-week period during this month’s LGBT History Month.
For every goal scored across the Sky Bet EFL with the Rainbow Ball during this period, the company will make a donation to the LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund.
Puma is also distributing Rainbow Balls to LGBT-friendly community football clubs and fans, extending the initiative’s impact beyond the professional leagues. Even virtual players can support the cause, as EA Sports FC 24 players currently have the opportunity to use the Rainbow Ball.
Holloway has appeared in an Instagram reel in support of the Rainbow Ball initiative, which is live on Puma UK’s channel now. Captioned “a special initiative needs a special team talk”, the video features Holloway delivering a rousing talk to his team, urging them to score as many goals as they possibly can to raise funds for Fans for Diversity and the Rainbow Ball project.
Holloway said: “Football has the power to unite people from all walks of life. I’m honoured to work alongside Puma in support of the Rainbow Ball initiative, as we strive towards creating a more inclusive culture within the beautiful game.”
