COMMENT: Stonewall FC to win Gay Football World Championship?

By Peter Tatchell • August 22, 2008 - 13:30

Unlike mainstream football, in the gay championships the British teams are world beaters

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The British team Stonewall FC is strongly tipped to win the Gay Football World Championship which opens in London this Sunday, 24th August writes Peter Tatchell

The world title event has the official backing of the Football Association.

Stonewall FC won the European Gay Football Championship last month.

Unlike mainstream football, in the gay championships the British teams are world beaters.

We've just won the European Gay Football Championship and are on course to pull off the world title next week.

It's great to see our gay teams bringing home the trophies.

I'm confident that Stonewall FC will avenge England's dismal performance against the Czech's on Wednesday night by winning gold for Britain.

This championship brings together lesbian and gay football teams from across the world, encourages more gay people to get involved in the sport and, through the spending power of visiting teams and spectators, benefits the London economy.

It challenges the machismo and homophobia that is often associated with football in many parts of the world.

Gay footballers help break down stereotypes and prejudice.

They are ambassadors for gay inclusion and equality.

Gay football enhances understanding and acceptance of gay and lesbian people.

The Football Association has been a supporter of London IGLFA 2008 from the very beginning, providing technical assistance and advice for the bid, and hosting the official launch in 2007 when London was announced as the host city.

The FA will also be providing the referees and officials for the event and will be hosting a reception for the Outreach teams.

The event has received a grant from the National Lottery "Awards for All" and the support of the Metropolitan Police Service, Camden Council, Aviva insurance group, Visit London, the anti-racist football campaign Kick It Out and Don Foster MP, the Liberal Democrats Shadow Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport.

Peter Tatchell is a human rights campaigner. His website is at www.petertatchell.net

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