On Thursday 22nd February 2024, we had the amazing opportunity to tour the Blackburn Rovers Training Centre. Our visit coincided with Saturday’s match against Norwich City, marking the debut of the EFL Puma Rainbow Ball at Ewood Park as part of LGBT History Month.
Proud Rovers Chair Chris, Vice Chair Caroline, and Proud Rovers Founder Hannah were all present for the occasion. On their arrival, the committee members were greeted by Rob Gill, Blackburn Rovers Head of Media and Communications, where discussions unfolded regarding the day’s agenda.
Our first stop was the Training Pitch, where we observed John Eustace guiding the players through their paces. It was a welcome sight to see Harry Pickering back on the training pitch after a few weeks out due to injury. We were introduced to Blackburn Rovers Director of Football Gregg Broughton. Blackburn Rovers captain, Dom Hyam, approached us for a chat. He shared details about his training session that day, mentioning that he, along with those who played on Tuesday night, had a light session. Dom mentioned that he didn’t arrive home until the very early hours of Wednesday morning following the game against Cardiff City.
We then visited the kit room, where the Kit personnel were sorting through the players’ training gear and kits ahead of Saturday’s match. Next, we headed to the Boot room, which, due to the natural odours associated with football boots, provided an interesting photo opportunity.
Following this, we proceeded to the indoor pitch at Brockhall for a tour. Afterwards, we entered the media room for an interview with Andy Bayes from BBC Radio Lancashire. During the interview, we discussed the significance of the Rainbow Ball, and you can listen to the interview by clicking the link on my Twitter page.
We then had the opportunity to speak with and be interviewed by Dom Hyam and Aynsley Pears. Both players were welcoming and at ease during our discussions. They truly understood what Proud Rovers stand for and were incredibly supportive of our cause. After the interview, we had a kickabout with the Rainbow Ball and participated in a cross-bar challenge with Aynsley Pears and Dom Hyam. Despite our best efforts, neither the players nor ourselves managed to hit the crossbar, although Chris did have a memorable “John Smith’s Ave It!” moment.
Proud Rovers Founder Hannah Parys remarked, “Today has not only showcased the club’s continued support but also solidified the foundations of our collaborations, enabling us to grow stronger. I cannot thank those involved enough. It was a truly successful day, and on a personal note, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.”
Proud Rovers Chair Chris emphasised, “Today truly marks a momentous occasion in the history of Proud Rovers and Blackburn Rovers. Being hosted at the Training Centre and having the opportunity to meet Dom and Aynsley underscores the significant strides and progress we’ve made in our relationship with the club. Working together in partnership can only lead to further improvements and advancements for the betterment of all involved.”
In summary, our visit to Brockhall left an indelible mark of positivity, underscoring the potential for continued collaboration and growth. With optimism for the future, we look forward to further engagements at the Training Ground, as we continue to champion inclusivity and progress in football.
