Playing, Pride and protest – inclusive football takes over St George’s Park for a memorable day in GFSN history
After the Gay Football Supporters Network took over the home of English football for the biggest quarter-finals day in its 26-year history, Jack Murley reflects on an historic occasion for LGBTQ+ people in the beautiful game; listen to a special episode of the Jack Murley Sports Show Podcast, recorded at St George’s Park…
St George’s Park is a venue that was built with success in mind.
Set in 330 acres of Staffordshire countryside, the site is home to all of England’s national football teams – and at every turn of this labyrinthine campus, there are reminders of their successes.
Trophies glitter in glass cabinets, caps worn by legendary Lions and Lionesses hang by purpose-built pitches, and images of England greats loom large in every corridor.
But on this day, it was Pride rainbows that were as prominent as the iconic Three Lions emblems, as the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN) took over the home of English football for the quarter-finals day in the GFSN Cup.
Eight teams from across the UK and Ireland descended upon St George’s to vie for a place in the competition’s last four – and with a GFSN Development League match and a showcase friendly taking place as well, there was plenty on display for the fans and supporters who’d made the journey too.
That included us, as we were given the chance to bring The Jack Murley Sports Show – our award-winning podcast that focuses on spotlighting the LGBTQ+ community in sport – to St George’s Park, with an ‘access-all-areas’ to cover all the action.
That pass got us pitchside for a nail-biting last-eight tie between Mersey Marauders and Millwall Romans, which went to spot-kicks after neither team was able to break the deadlock within the regulation 90 minutes.
It was the Marauders who travelled back to Merseyside on a high after edging a high-quality shoot-out, much to the delight of chair Francis Wight.
“The fingernails were OK watching that because I chewed a lot of gum!” he laughs, moments after the winning penalty went in.
“There’s nothing like a penalty shoot-out, but I’m so proud of the team. I’m a massive England fan, and to be able to bring LGBTQ+ football here is brilliant.
“I have to give a huge mention to the GFSN for doing that, because feeling that sense of belonging here as a gay footballer is brilliant.
“It tells everyone that LGBTQ+ people belong in football.”
Gary Ginnaw is part of the Charlton Invicta side that emerged victorious in the day’s first quarter-final, as his team came out on top in a 13-goal thriller with Trowbridge Tigers.
Stood on a balcony overlooking the Sir Alf Ramsey pitch, Ginnaw reflected on the journey that the GFSN had been on since it started in 1989.
“To see how it has come on has been amazing, but our key message is that we’re here for everyone and sidelining nobody. That’s what we stand for, and those are our values.”
Those values extend to the trans community, and especially the trans women and girls who have been banned by the FA from playing in women and girls’ football, with opposition to the FA’s stance another prominent part of the day’s action.
London-based Leftfooters FC ensured their area of St George’s Park was adorned with flags showing their solidarity with the trans community, while officials from the GFSN did not shy away from criticising the FA’s stance.
“It’s something we as an organisation have expressed our discomfort with,” GFSN chair Paul Williams said.
“We’ve written to the FA to show our disappointment. We’re showcasing here that we very much disagree with their ruling, and don’t shy away from it.
“We support Leftfooters and their cause, and we share that – but we’ve decided we are going to engage with the FA and try to make a difference that way.”
While the GFSN continues its work away from the pitch to persuade the FA to change its stance on trans participation, the magnitude of getting to play at St George’s Park wasn’t lost on the players who laced up their boots.
“There’s no better place to play than the home of England football,” says Piero Zizzi from Proud Baggies, the West Brom LGBTQ+ supporters group that has now spawned a football team of its own.
“We’re still learning as a team, but it’s great to be getting an opportunity to play here. It’s an amazing spectacle for our players, and it’s going to be a great occasion.”
For those who were watching – like Rossi, a new member of Nottingham Lions – the day served as a reminder that making football a place where everyone belongs can be a genuine life-changer for the LGBTQ+ community.
“I’d just come out and didn’t know anyone in the gay community and was really alone when someone told me to come along to the Lions,” they told us pitchside while watching their adopted club.
“Honestly, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done! I’ve met some of my best friends through this club, I owe it such a lot.
“It’s a lifeline for people who are really alone or don’t really have anyone, and it really is quite special.”
That – in a nutshell – sums up the importance of what this special day at St George’s Park was all about. And, in a way, Rossi’s words encapsulate the essence of what the GFSN has been doing for more than a quarter of a century.
Bringing pride through playing, on pitches up and down the UK and Ireland for more than a quarter of a century to LGBTQ+ footballers from communities up and down the land.
Yes, this might well have been the most glamorous of the pitches that the GFSN has graced in its existence, but the values they embody – of inclusion and belonging – are as old as the organisation itself.
And long may that message continue.
Listen to the podcast episode in full here.
Jack Murley is the presenter of the award-winning The Jack Murley Sports Show. You can hear weekly conversations with amazing groups and individuals in sport around the world – for free – wherever you get your podcasts from.
Sports Media LGBT+ is a network, advocacy, and consultancy group that is helping to build a community of LGBTQ+ people and allies in sport. We’re also a digital publisher and can help with your content requirements. Learn more about us here.
We’re interested in your news and stories. Share with us and tap into a worldwide audience through our Google News affiliate website which attracts thousands of visitors, and our popular social channels. Contact us to discuss how we can help you.
