18 February 2017

 

The Lord Mayor of Manchester and the Chief Executive Officer of Manchester FA were just two of the dignitaries that joined Village Manchester Football Club to mark Football v Homophobia month.

 

Village Manchester, the region's only gay and inclusive football club, welcomed Carl Austin-Behan - Lord Mayor of Manchester; Colin Bridgford – Chief Executive Officer at Manchester FA, Mike Yates - Chair at the Lancashire & Cheshire League; and our sponsor Linten Technologies to their game on Saturday. Various other Lancashire & Cheshire League committee members also attended. 

 

His Worship the Lord Mayor addressed the gathered crowd ahead of the club's league game against Rochdale Galaxy to demonstrate his support for eradicating homophobia from the sport.

 

Football v Homophobia exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels in football by engaging in campaigning, education, advice and guidance, research, policy consultation and capacity building. 

 

John Bridges, Chairman of Village Manchester, said: "We are delighted to show our support for the on-going campaign to fight homophobia in football - working together with our partners in the FA, the league and Football v Homophobia.   

 

"Village Manchester was set up 21 years ago and have played competitively in mainstream FA leagues. It is our aim to show that gay players can play competitively and are just as capable as anyone else and we try to break down perceptions and prejudice."

 

In addition to the game against Rochdale Galaxy, Village Manchester's second team dedicated their GFSN League game against Glasgow's Saltire Thistle to Football v Homophobia.

 

Words: Rob McPherson

Photos: Steve Joyce

 

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Read the article in The Northern Quota