SOUTHAMPTON FC has reported a huge growth in LGBTQ+ supporters' group.

The club revealed there was a 1,233 per cent growth for its Rainbow Saints.

Set up last year, Rainbow Saints aims to create a safe space within football for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to talk about all things football, Southampton, and positive change.

A study found that one in 10 Saints fans identify as LGBTQIA+, which is 31 per cent more than at other Premier League clubs.

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It also found that almost one in three fans agree that they have lots of gay friends.

Since being recognised as an official supporter group by the club, it has grown from three members to more than 40 members globally - a growth of 1,233 per cent in six months.

Robert Pearce, diversity and inclusion manager at Southampton Football Club, said: “Southampton Football Club has been making fantastic strides in ensuring that its community is a safe space for all players and fans alike, on and off the pitch.

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"We’re particularly delighted by the recent growth of Rainbow Saints and that our fans are increasingly standing united against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia so that everyone has a safe space to enjoy football."

The club has several initiatives dedicated to promoting inclusivity and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.

This includes a school-based programme that has seen the Saints Foundation deliver LGBTQIA+ workshops to primary schools and educational workshops on allyship to secondary schools in Southampton.

As well as this, Saints teamed up with its official kit supplier, hummel, to launch a dedicated anti-homophobia campaign in Southampton.

The football club and sportswear brand commissioned a striking mural in the city centre to champion its support for the LGBTQ+ community, calling on players, fans, and city residents to pledge their names in support.

To date, more than 1,200 people have shown their support by adding their names to the initiative.

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