A FOOTBALL coach from the Wrexham area has had his specially-dedicated tattoo in support of the Football V Homophobia campaign inked.

The month of February marks Football v Homophobia Month of Action, as well as LGBT+ History Month.

Bellevue FC coach Delwyn Derrick is a huge inspiration to many having won several awards for his efforts to promote inclusion in football.

As well as that, the 34-year-old has overcome sepsis and had a tumour removed during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Now, in his latest attempt to raise awareness of ongoing issues within the beautiful game, he has decided to get a 'Football v Homophobia' tattoo done on his calf.

Delwyn took to Twitter on Thursday, February 3, to give his views on Football V Homophobia month. In his message he said that, if he managed to get 28 Re-Tweets on that post, he would get a tattoo to help raise awareness.

He hit his target within just a few hours and on Wednesday, February 16, he sat down for his tattoo session at the Wrexham Ink studio on Chester Street.

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EatSleep Media were on hand to capture footage ahead of hosting the Football v Homophobia awards ceremony which takes place in Cardiff on Friday (February 25).

Both Bellevue FC and FC United of Wrexham have been shortlisted for Cymru awards that night.

Speaking about getting inked for Football v Homophobia, Delwyn said: "I am hugely grateful to Wrexham Ink for accommodating us for this tattoo, and especially to Lawri, the amazing artist who turned my calf pink for a great cause.

"I am really happy with the tattoo, there hasn't been a single second that I've doubted, regretted or questioned getting it done. I use my legs for standing, might as well use them to stand for a cause, in this case that's literally what I'm doing.

"The February is the Football v Homophobia Month of Action. I guess we can say that I definitely took action this year. No regrets, I absolutely love this tattoo and I will wear it proudly."

Bellevue FC was the first league-registered, multi-ethnic and inclusion-specific football team in Wales.

Its ethos is to encourage community cohesion, including working alongside campaigns such as Football vs Homophobia and Show Racism the Red Card, North Wales Police.

Delwyn added: "In the past I've been guilty of not understanding enough or being a bit ignorant. But through getting involved with groups such as Wrexham Pride, I've learnt so much and I feel that it's important to spread the word and pass knowledge onto others.

"People often say that football reflects society, but I think it speaks volumes that there is currently only one openly-gay footballer playing in the world right now. I don't think it is seen as a safe space for gay males in particular and there are so many more steps which can be taken within the game.

Delwyn, affectionately known as ‘Sheep’, has set another Twitter challenge to his followers ahead of Football v Transphobia in November. 41 Re-Tweets will see him get another tattoo done for that campaign.