British teams fly the flag at gay World Cup
The Nike match ball infront of rainbow flags during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2018. (Catherine Ivill/Getty)
This weekend four British football clubs will head to the 2007 International Gay and Lesbian Football Association World Soccer Championship in Argentina.
It is the first time Latin American country has hosted the event.
British teams Stonewall FC and Village Manchester will play in the competitive league while the two London rivals, Leftfooters and London Titans, will compete in the recreational division.
Chris Basiurski, the Football Association Liaison and Campaigns Officer for the Gay Football Supporters Network and defender for Leftfooters, told PinkNews.co.uk:
“We are very excited about taking part in a tournament for the first time in Argentina.
“We are looking forward to meeting many new people from across the world and reacquainting ourselves with old friends from previous tournaments.
“We know that Argentina will be fantastic hosts. As the only South American country where civil partnerships are permitted, it is fitting that the tournament be held there this year.”
The tournament at Buenos Aires’ Sarmiento Park, hosted by the Argentina Soccer Association, kicks off with a ceremony at Amerika disco on Sunday 23 September.
The final takes place a week later on Saturday 29.
The annual tournament, which has been running for 16 years, will be coming to London next year, hosted by the Leftfooters FC.
The teams will play in Regents Park for the 2008 title.
The event will be supported by the FA, following the launch of the Football For All Campaign, which aims to stamp out homophobia in the sport.
Mr Basiurski commented:
“We are greatly looking forward to welcoming everyone to London next year, for what we believe will be the biggest gay sporting event ever held in the UK.
“It will be a chance to build on the strength of this year’s tournament to ensure that we continue to promote the participation of gay men and women in football within a safe and tolerant environment.”
