The Football v Homophobia month of action will kick-off today (1 February) bringing together speakers from across football to discuss LGBT inclusion at the Manchester City Etihad Stadium.

For the second consecutive year the Premier League champions are supporting the campaign by hosting its launching event and through a series of awareness-raising activities in February.

The launching event will provide an opportunity for participants to network and exchange best practice on tackling homophobia and transphobia in football.

In 2016 the month-long campaign also counts with the support of top league clubs Chelsea FC, Manchester United and Fulham FC to further its message of inclusion. In addition, Liverpool FC will host their first ever Pride in Sport event, celebrating openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people in sport.

The event, which takes place on Thursday January 28, will see a mix of different sports persons join together for a dinner and guest talks from Sophie Cook, the first openly trans female Premier League football photographer, and GB Paralympian Claire Harvey.

There will also be a charity auction raising funds for Liverpool Pride 2016 and schools charity Diversity Role Models.

On 21 Februray the campaign will see the first network of LGBT Football Coaches be launched in England with the support of the English Football Association.

In Europe and beyond a growing grassroots movement will also join the international campaign. Among these 20 European groups funded by Fare and Football v Homophobia to carry out football related activities looking to challenge LGBT-phobia in football.

Football tournaments, social media campaigns, discussions, community festivals and workshops are among a wide range of activities that will send an unwavering message against homophobia in throughout the month.

Top fly clubs in France also joined the celebrations through a dedicated round to the fight against discrimination and homophobia in football.