Rainbow Laces: Shrewsbury's Elliott Bennett 'surprised' to be only club ambassador for LGBTQ+ campaign

Shrewsbury Town were among the early adopters of Rainbow Laces during the first activation in 2013; last year, Elliott Bennett became the first ambassador for the LGBTQ+ inclusion campaign at a league club; he tells Sky Sports News he is proud to fly the flag as an ally to the community

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Thursday 7 December 2023 12:04, UK

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Elliott Bennett has made over 500 league appearances in 16 years as a professional, winning promotions with Brighton, Norwich and Blackburn.

However, when the Shrewsbury player made headlines last season, it was due to having taken on an off-field role that broke new ground in English football.

The League One club announced Bennett as the club's Rainbow Laces ambassador — the first appointment of its kind in the men's professional game.

He was vice-captain at the time and told the Shrews' website he was «proud to be part of any campaign that involves equality and making sure football is for everyone».

It was a voluntary decision which further elevated Bennett's reputation for being an active ally and a strong voice on diversity and inclusion issues, not least for Town's LGBTQ+ and allies supporters group, Proud Salopians, which was founded in 2019.

Rainbow Laces is currently enjoying its annual activation across British sport while also marking 10 years since its original introduction to men's football.

Bennett continues to be the only known player to serve as its designated ambassador at their club.

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When asked by Sky Sports News