Yahoo News Historic rainbow football goes on display at National Football Museum
The first ever Rainbow ball used in English professional football is to join the large number of exhibits at the National Football Museum.
The PUMA ORBITA ball, first used during the West Bromwich Albion v Southampton game in February, is being displayed at England’s largest museum dedicated to football, situated right opposite Victoria Station, from today (April 25).
Unveiled earlier this year to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month, the football helped Southampton winger Ryan Fraser score the opening goal in their Sky Bet Championship match at The Hawthorns on February 16. The team eventually claimed a 2-0 win over West Brom on the night.
The ball was used by all 72 Clubs across Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two matches between February 16 to 24 - and helped score 214 goals in total. For every goal scored, PUMA committed to donating towards funds supporting LGBTQ+ fans and their projects to raise awareness about inclusion in football. £16,050 was donated as a result of the week-long campaign.
David McArdle, EFL Director of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, said: “The EFL was very proud to collaborate with PUMA on this historic first for English football joining with our clubs, partners, and LGBTQ+ communities to celebrate LGBT History Month with a symbol of representation and inclusion.
“We are therefore delighted to be donating this ball to the National Football Museum so that the ball can continue to inspire people off the pitch.”
The ball will sit alongside a number of other LGBTQ+ and equality items from various points in football’s legacy, including the ‘One Love’ armband worn by former Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane.
National Football Museum CEO Tim Desmond said: “Inclusion and equity in football is core to our purpose as a museum, and such a special and important object plays a vital role in telling this story. The first PUMA ORBITA Rainbow Ball is part of the Football Heritage Collection, engaging and inspiring our visitors now and for generations to come, thanks to the kind donation from the EFL.”
On his name being part of an historic moment, Southampton winger Ryan Fraser said: “It was a massive game in our season and we knew we had to get a result following a couple of bad results prior to that match. I remember the goal very clearly - it was a fantastic set-piece routine that we'd practice regularly in the week, so for it to come off when it mattered the most was a brilliant feeling.
"I was informed about the ball and the importance of the campaign - as footballers, we have a responsibility to help drive awareness when it comes to inclusion and being able to support when possible is crucial. It's a really nice touch by the EFL and National Football Museum to have the rainbow ball on display, as this will only help establish more understanding and support."
The National Football Museum (M4 3BG) is open 10am to 5pm every day, with last admission at 4pm.
