Boro's next two fixtures against Sheffield United and Watford will proudly showcase the EFL and Puma's returning rainbow match ball.
Earlier this month, EFL and PUMA revealed the rainbow ball for the second season running to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and serve as a reminder that football is for everyone.
Throughout the season, the EFL and all its clubs, players and supporters stand together against homophobia, and from 6-17 February, to demonstrate their ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community, all 72 EFL clubs will play with the rainbow match ball during Football v Homophobia’s Month of Action.
Boro's home match against Watford is also our RiverSideBySide fixture where we highlight our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion with specific emphasis on LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Last year, PUMA donated more than £16,000 to an LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund. The money raised helped LGBTQ+ supporter groups to raise awareness about inclusion in football, to deliver events to promote diversity, and to provide resources to LGBTQ+ fans across England and Wales.
These activities included the My Boro, My Shirt exhibition, which highlighted and celebrated LGBTQ+ individuals within Boro's fanbase. The exhibition created a platform for diverse voices to be heard and reflected a commitment to representing the wide range of identities that make up the community, ensuring everyone feels seen and valued.
PUMA will once again donate money for every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball across the Championship, League One and League Two fixtures from 6-17 February. This season, the funding will be donated to Football v Homophobia (FvH) to support their ongoing work in tackling discrimination in this area.
EFL partners EA SPORTS are also joining in the Rainbow Ball celebrations for a second year running. EA SPORTS FC 25™ players can now select and play with this season's Rainbow Ball in gameplay.
If homophobic or discriminatory abuse is witnessed at the Riverside, it can be reported directly by various means, with more info here.