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Since its formation in 1999, Leftfooters FC has been spreading the word, that football can be an inclusive and enjoyable sport regardless of ability, skill, technique or sexuality.  We attempt to mix a serious love of football, with a wish to promote a strong community spirit where taking part is more important than winning. 

Our approach has won us many supporters all over the world. As our friends, the former IGLFA world champions Florida Storm said that we “had the most spirit and sportsmanship they have ever witnessed on and off the field!”

Hackney Women FC
Hackney Women’s Football Club was founded in 1986 and was the first totally women run team and the first predominately lesbian team in London.  Hackney Women FC was also the first team to instigate a fair play policy, ensuring that all women are encouraged to train and play competitive football regardless of their skills, age, ethnic origin and sexual orientation.

The Football Association
The FA’s lead on tackling homophobia in football is being recognised across Europe.  Under the Ethics and Sports Equity strategy The FA’s opposition to homophobia is spelt out and, along with race and disability discrimination, is punishable with sanctions including abusive players being banned from the game.  But The FA believes encouraging inclusion runs alongside the threat of sanctions.

Already UEFA, the Dutch Sportfederation (NCS) and the Spanish Football Association have asked for guidance from The FA on our approach, which goes under the Football for All banner.  The FA has also been praised by the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation for making clear its opposition policies on tackling homophobia.

The FA’s Football for All education and training programme includes a three hour workshop looking at generic equality and diversity issues for grass roots football and those making decisions along with a diversity competence training strategy across the whole of football. 

This means abuse and discrimination have no place in football.

Greater London Authority
I am delighted that London is hosting the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association World Championships.

Gay and lesbian football teams have gone from strength to strength in the past decade, especially in London, which is the centre of the UK’s LGBT community. This city boasts dozens of gay and lesbian sports groups representing a wide range of sports, from basketball, gymnastics and sailing to cricket, water polo and rugby. This growth reflects the dynamism and energy of London's lesbian and gay community, and is a great triumph for our city.

London is an amazing place. I'm determined that London should be a city where you can be exactly who you want to be, and live your life as you’ve dreamed it, without fear of censure. The International Gay and Lesbian Football Association World Championship is a celebration of that freedom. I send a warm welcome to players, officials and supporters from across London, the UK and the world.

Finally, I congratulate the organisers and I wish everyone involved great success with the Championships

Boris Johnson 
Mayor of London

Stonewall works across a range of areas throughout Britain from parliamentary lobbying to the workplace and education.  

We are increasingly concerned at the ongoing exclusion of many gay people from engagement in UK sport at all levels from school to professional.

We welcome the growth of gay football in London.  For many years, Leftfooters FC has been an important part of the gay football scene and they certainly have the experience and enthusiasm to host an event as prestigious as the IGLFA World Championship.

Stonewall is excited to be a part of the week's events and, with the support of the FA will be hosting a conference in 2008 on tackling homophobia in football.