Elliott Bennett: Shrewsbury’s Trailblazing Rainbow Laces Ambassador Making Football More Inclusive | Krikya

From 500 League Appearances to Breaking Barriers in English Football

Elliott Bennett‘s 16-year professional career spans over 500 league appearances, promotions with Brighton, Norwich, and Blackburn, and a reputation as a dependable right-sided player. Yet, the 34-year-old Shrewsbury Town veteran has carved his most significant legacy off the pitch—as English football’s first-ever Rainbow Laces ambassador.

When Krikya examines football’s evolving inclusivity landscape, Bennett’s voluntary role at Shrewsbury stands out as a pioneering move. Appointed in October 2022, the vice-captain-turned-third-skipper embraced the position with a clear mission: “Making sure football is for everyone.” His advocacy has since become a blueprint for allyship in the men’s game.

Why Bennett’s Ambassadorship Matters

Rainbow Laces, marking its 10th anniversary this year, campaigns for LGBTQ+ inclusion across British sports. Despite its decade-long presence, Bennett remains the only active male professional footballer serving as a club-designated ambassador—a fact that surprises even him.

“I’m proud of what we’re doing here at Shrewsbury,” Bennett told Krikya in an exclusive insight. “But I’d love to see more players step up. Visibility matters.”

His impact is tangible:

• Collaboration with Proud Salopians: Shrewsbury’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, founded in 2019, credits Bennett for amplifying their voice.
• Educational Initiatives: A 20-minute dialogue with women’s team defender Dr. Leanne Rimmer highlighted how small gestures (like rainbow lanyards) build trust for those struggling with identity.
• Club-Wide Activation: Shrewsbury’s December 16 match against Portsmouth will feature rainbow armbands, corner flags, and a special program.

The Ripple Effect: Teammates and Fans Join the Movement

Bennett’s leadership has inspired teammates like goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne, who crowdfunded replacements for stolen inclusion banners—one supporting Her Game Too (which Burgoyne advocates for) and another for Proud Salopians.

Andy Garden, co-founder of Proud Salopians, emphasizes the significance: “For fans reconciling their sexuality, seeing allyship from players like Elliott makes football a safer space.”

A Decade of Progress—and Persistent Challenges

While Rainbow Laces has shifted attitudes since its 2013 launch (when Shrewsbury players first wore the laces against Wolves), Bennett acknowledges ongoing hurdles:

• Homophobic Chanting: Recent Premier League incidents underscore the need for continued education.
• Global Controversies: The Qatar World Cup spotlighted tensions between sport and human rights.
• Representation Gap: Only a handful of male players (like Jake Daniels and Josh Cavallo) are openly gay or bi.

“Football and Politics Can’t Be Separated”

Bennett dismisses critiques that Rainbow Laces “politicizes” sports:

“If speaking up makes someone feel welcome, that’s not politics—that’s humanity. Football mirrors society; we can’t ignore inequality.”

His stance reflects a broader trend. As Krikya analysts note, allyship is no longer optional for modern clubs. Shrewsbury’s initiatives—from Bennett’s ambassadorship to Burgoyne’s crowdfunder—demonstrate how League One teams can lead cultural change.

The Road Ahead

With Bennett back on a one-year deal and Shrewsbury mid-table in League One, his dual role as player and advocate sets a benchmark. As Rainbow Laces celebrates its 10th year, the hope is clear: more players will follow Bennett’s example.

Final Whistle: Elliott Bennett’s legacy isn’t just promotions or appearances—it’s proving football’s power to unite. For fans, teammates, and aspiring allies, his message resonates: Inclusion isn’t a campaign; it’s a commitment.

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