A Game for All to Enjoy

As I mentioned in another recent article I'm the EDI Lead for the League & have been having quite a few Teams meetings with people from all walks of football discussing how to make our great game a game for everyone. During one of these meetings, the subject of trans-gender football was discussed & I have been searching for more stories around this.

I noticed that there are already at least ten teams in London for women, trans & non-binary players & I thought I would share some of them with you, quite a few of them seem to centre playing their football in East London in & around the world-famous Hackney marshes pitches that are part of football folklore.

First up & training in Tower Hamlets at Weavers field is
Baesianz FC, a team for women, trans and non-binary people of Asian heritage. The team’s founding members Nicole Chui, Sami Kimberley and Sarah Khan say they started the team as a way to 'celebrate their community as well as showing that it is so important for Asian people from marginalised genders to have a space in the world of football.'

Queerspace FC is an inclusive and friendly team open for players of all ages and abilities. Queerspace FC isn’t just a football team – it’s an inclusive and creative collective run by and for queer, lesbian, bi, and trans women, trans men, nonbinary and intersex people.

The next team is Victoria Park Vixens who say they are as much about having fun on the pitch as off, and hosted watch parties around East London during the recent World Cup. They are
a mixed-abilities team based in East London. The team has grown from a squad of 12 to over 40 players since their start in 2019.

Brockwell United, also known as The Swans, was formed in 2017. Spaces are reserved for non-binary and trans people. Also known as 'The Swans', was formed in 2017.

Spaces are reserved for non-binary and trans people. The team is South London-based and currently trains in Stockwell on Monday nights. They also play in two leagues; Clubs United in Haggerston and Ladies Super Liga in Waterloo.

Brockwell United’s mission is 'to empower women and non-binary players by inspiring a love of football – especially in complete beginners or returners to the sport who were either bullied out of the game at a young age or forced to stop due to the lack of opportunities and facilities.'

Formed in 2017, Peckham Pigeons are South London-based and describe themselves as a team celebrating women’s football.

Wonderkid FC describe themselves as a team consisting of 'queers and allies, goalkeepers, filmmakers, wing backs, art directors, strikers and producers.' The team bonded over a film that raised awareness about homophobia in UK football which led to them starting a team where “being yourself” was at the forefront. Off-pitch, the team support each other in both personal and professional ventures and organise both socials and training sessions.

Founded in 2012, Romance FC is a creative football collective, building community and forging opportunities for women and non-binary individuals both on and off the pitch.

Bangers FC is a five-aside team open for women and non-binary players.

'We call it BBE aka Big Banger Energy. It’s all about keeping it fun, keeping it silly and keeping each other smiling whether we’re winning or losing. Being able to come together after any kind of day and escape for a bit on the pitch & off it.'

Shepherds Booters was formed out of the lack of grassroots teams in West London, and the team offers an inclusive space for local women and non-binary people to play. Social and friendly both on and off-pitch and keen to get the more players involved in the West London grassroot community.

This further proves to me how our wonderful game really can cross any barrier & proves it is sport for all long shall that remain.