BIFC to take part in CAFC anti-homophobia tournament

Bexley Invicta FC to take part in landmark Homophobia football tournament at Charlton Athletic

charlton-the-valley-stadium1Bexley Invicta Football Club is to help raise the profile of LGBTQ+ football by taking part in the first Charlton vs Homophobia football tournament at The Valley.

The event will take place at 9am on Sunday, May 22nd, with three LGBTQ+ friendly teams taking part in a round-robin 11-a-side tournament. The three mixed-sex sides are:

·         Proud Valiants – the official Charlton Athletic supporters’ club for LGBTQ+ Fans and allies.
·         Bexley Invicta FC – the only LGBTQ-friendly football team in south east London and Kent.
·         University of Greenwich – The University has an existing partnership with Charlton Athletic and is a Stonewall Top 100 Employer 2016.

The tournament will be supported by the Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT), the University of Greenwich, the Metro Centre, Kick it Out, Fans for Diversity and Football v Homophobia. CACT deliver a wide range of programmes designed to promote equality and tackle discrimination, including issues relating to identity, gender and prejudice.

Gary Ginnaw, Player-Manager of Bexley Invicta FC, which has recently been developing an ongoing partnership with the CACT, added: “Everyone should be able to play football regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Bexley Invicta FC prides itself on being open to everyone – there is no prejudice.

“By teaming up with Charlton Athletic, CACT and Proud Valiants, we are showing that together we can fight homophobia in football and this collaboration will help to make great strides in this area. This is a very exciting and encouraging initiative.”

Read more on Charlton Athletic FC’s website.