On Sunday the 30th October – ‘thankfully in the afternoon as not to miss my show!’
The five-a-side Football For All Tournament hosted by Leyton Orient, took place.
It was in conjunction with, Stonewall, Waltham Forest, London FA and the newly formed LGBTQ+ group RainbO’s (Orients LGBTQ+ supporters Group).
The London Teams consisted of RainbOs, Pride Of Irons (WHU), Millwall Romans, Stonewall FC, Leftfooters FC, Proud & Palace (Crystal Palace), Gay Gooners (Arsenal) and Proud Lilywhites (Spurs). Some of the teams including Pride Of Irons & Proud & Palace had players that hadn’t played in a team before, they were LGBTQ+ Members, others such as Stonewall FC, Millwall Romans & Leftfooters FC had or are still playing in their own teams/leagues. It was of course great to see so many folks from Essex playing in the tournament. I totally felt at home 🙂
Even though we, Pride Of Irons came bottom of our group, we did what we wanted to achieve as an LGBTQ+ Supporters group.
Our main aim was to ensure everyone that wanted to take part was included, whether they played in other teams or just wanted to feel that they could be safe kicking a ball about in an inclusive environment.
I know being involved in inclusivity and football, that having a safe space is everything to some that never feel welcome, or constantly walk in fear.
Our Skipper East Londoner, Mark Baldon said, ‘It was an honour to Captain the Pride Of Irons Team on Sunday. Everyone put in a shift and had fun. Looking forward to next years Tournament.’
Pride Of Irons & Millwall Romans
Before the Champions, ‘Millwall Romans’ lifted the Trophy,
Liz Ward, Stonewall Programme Director said, “One of her greatest privileges of her job is being able to work in the world of sport, from elite level sport to grass roots and what connects it is Inclusion and wanting to create the most inclusive version of sport”.
She went on to say,
“Going into 10 years, next year of Rainbow laces, we’ve seen attitudes change in football.
In the last 5 years homophobic chanting has decreased by half in our stadiums but that is not enough. At the same time hate crime and intolerance is on the rise, so we still need to fight for a world that is more equal than divided.”
Liz Ward – Director of Programmes at Stonewall
Rainbow Laces Campaign unites a majority of sports fans who know that Inclusion matters. It raises awareness and visibility of LGBTQ+ experiences off the pitch as well as on the pitch.
With the World Cup just around the corner it would be remiss of me not to mention Qatar.
One of the biggest sporting events in the world being held in a nation where being homosexuality is illegal. I wouldn’t feel safe going to Qatar to watch England play. That’s really sad yet the bigger issue is much wider and spans across so many levels.
A majority of folks I know feel so strongly, that they will not even be watching it at home.
Having the Football For All Tournament showed inclusion, diversity and a sense of belonging.
Hopefully the Football For All Tournament will return in 2023 and reach out to teams outside of London.
Congrats to everyone that took part and a massive shout out to the organisers, especially to London Assembly Member, Emma Best & Leyton Orient.
Oh Yeah and one last thing – #COYI
Jo Bailey
