LGBT teams to meet for first time in FA-affiliated league

Two LGBT football teams will compete in a men's FA-affiliated football league game for the first time on December 16.

Stonewall FC Reserves host London Titans FC in the Middlesex County Combination League, in a match that has more significance than simply league placings.

Stonewall FC are the UK's oldest openly gay football team, having been founded more than 26 years ago, while London Titans are making their first foray into FA-affiliated Saturday football since starting up in 2005.

Last month, Stonewall activated its Rainbow Laces campaign, backed by Sky Sports as part of Team Pride.

The campaign, which aims to 'make sport everyone's game', was supported by a host of organisations and governing bodies, including the Premier League, the EFL and the RFU.

Stonewall FC chairman Ben Biggs has hailed this weekend's historic match as another marker of progress in promoting inclusivity of LGBT people in sport.

"In the year in which we mark fifty years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, legalisation of gay marriage in Germany and Australia, and the first openly gay Taoiseach in Ireland, another step forward for the LGBT community will be made this weekend," Biggs said.

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"When the history of gay football is written Saturday's match between Stonewall FC Reserves and Titans FC will feature as the first game between two LGBT football clubs within the mainstream FA-affiliated umbrella.

"Much progress has been made in the twenty-six years since Stonewall FC were established as the only LGBT club in the UK. But we must remember that there is much progress still to be made. Stonewall thanks all in its family and wider community whose contribution over the years has led to this point."

The two sides have a healthy rivalry, having met on numerous occasions in matches in the Gay Football Supporters' Network (GFSN) league and London Unity League (LUL), but Saturday's meeting marks an important moment in the history of both teams and for football in the UK as a whole.

"This is a monumental match for football," said London Titans' manager Phil Steer.

"Whilst Titans' healthy rivalry with Stonewall has flourished through numerous LUL and GFSN fixtures, as well as national and international tournaments, we share the same goal: to make football accessible for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.

"Never before have we competed against each other in FA-affiliated football, so this is sure to be a game not to miss."

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