On Saturday, February 24th, Grasshoppers RFC in Isleworth will be the vibrant setting for a day of celebration and unity as the West London Queer Project (WLQP) presents the Festival of Football. In partnership with Brentford, Chelsea, Fulham, and Queens Park Rangers (QPR) football Clubs, this event coincides with 'Football v Homophobia Month of Action' and aims to foster inclusivity and community spirit through football.
Homophobia remains a significant issue within football, tarnishing the sport's reputation for inclusivity. Despite strides made in recent years to promote equality and diversity, instances of discrimination continue to mar the beautiful game.
This event also commemorates the one-year partnership anniversary between Brentford FC and WLQP, building upon their work providing skills sessions with trained coaches.
LGBTQIA+ Skills Session with WLQP and Brentford Football Club February 2003
Aubrey Crawley, Founder of the West London Queer Project, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I want to put the homophobia aside for one day and focus on the joy of bringing people from all walks of life together to take part in a friendly and fun tournament. The teams will be made up of mixed ages, genders, and abilities, demonstrating that football is for everyone.”
“Beyond the football festival this weekend, my aim is to provide the LGBT+ community in West London with a space and opportunity to play football on a weekly basis, in a safe and friendly environment.”
“My wish is that over time, our continued presence and visibility in football, and any other team sport for that matter, will be normalised and the homophobia will disappear.”
The Festival of Football promises an exciting event, where players from diverse groups will participate in 6-a-side matches. Teams include representatives from football teams, the NHS, and the Metropolitan Police. Beyond the matches, the event aims to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by LGBT+ people in sports, while celebrating the positive impact of inclusivity and acceptance.
This festival is a collaborative effort between professional football clubs, local councils, and community organisations, all united in their dedication to championing diversity and inclusion in sports. Through this event, WLQP seeks to emphasise the importance of creating safe and welcoming environments for LGBTQA+ individuals within the footballing community.
Attendees can expect a day filled with fun, camaraderie, and celebration, as teams come together to enjoy the spirit of the beautiful game and experience the unifying power of football.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact: info@wlqp.org
For more information on the Festival of Football and the West London Queer Project, please visit www.wlqp.org
