NON-LEAGUE: Essex FA are backing a new national campaign to tackle discrimination in football.

The county’s senior football development officer, John Manning, is supporting the ‘Opening Doors and Joining In’ campaign, which aims to drive more lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities to get actively involved in football without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

He said: “This only adds to our commitment to ensuring it’s football for all in Essex.”

FA general secretary Alex Horne said: “What the action plan is about is ensuring that anyone can participate in our game without fear, regardless of their sexuality.

“If someone is gay, we want them to feel secure if they choose to be open and know they will not be subject to abuse or ridicule.”