COMMITTEE

CHRIS LEDGER (HE/HIM) - FOUNDER AND CHAIR

First league game: Owls 2 - Barnsley 2, August 2009

All-time favourite players: Pavel Srníček, Marcus Tudgay, Chris Brunt and Kevin Pressman

Interests outside of football: Lego, art history, running and Formula 1

Why is Rainbow Owls important? My footballing journey started at the age of 12, via FIFA '98 and a matchday programme donated from a friend, but it took me a decade to find the confidence to attend live games, while I took a nine-year break from football until 2023, partially due to finding hard to accept being gay.

LGBTQ+ supporters' groups are so important in providing people a voice and fan identity that they previously might not have had, as well as helping them make new friends and empowering them to feel more connected with their club. That strives me to help take Rainbow Owls to the next level.

How does Chris help Rainbow Owls? As a copy-editor and ex-journalist, I manage our group's online communications, including social media and newsletters, as well as our overall group strategy.

I also keep in touch with key stakeholders at the club and elsewhere, which helps to ensure that Rainbow Owls proactively takes advantage of any new opportunities that come our way.

SAM ELLIOTT-OLECHNOWICZ (HE/HIM) - CAMPAIGNS OFFICER

First league game: Manchester United 5 - Owls 0, March 1994

All-time favourite players: Kevin Pressman, Niclas Alexandersson and Mark Pembridge

Interests outside of football: pets, model railways, Lego and songwriting

Why is Rainbow Owls important? My journey as a Sheffield Wednesday supporter, also from the age of 12, has taught me the importance of standing up for what is right and supporting those in need, which are values that align closely with Rainbow Owls' core mission.

Our group's passion for advocacy and community helps to unite people from all walks of life, as well as create a more inclusive and accepting world for everybody.

How does Sam help Rainbow Owls? My experience as a London Titans FC goalkeeper, and a senior charge nurse and educator for international recruitment in the NHS, has given me a nuanced understanding of the challenges that we face, as well as the opportunities for positive change.

I help to strategise our annual and ad-hoc awareness campaigns, which has involved writing an article about allyship on the club's website for Football v Transphobia and being interviewed on Sky Sports News for Rainbow Laces.