Fans For Diversity FC begin with a 12-goal thriller against Stonewall

Monday 27 Feb 2017
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Fans For Diversity celebrated LGBT History Month as a new team was brought to life to face Stonewall FC at Imber Court on Wednesday 22 February.

Fans For Diversity FC hosted an exhibition match at the home of Metropolitan Police FC to help promote diversity and encourage inclusion in football, in a game that saw 25 players from a host different backgrounds play for the newly-formed team.

They faced Stonewall FC, the world’s most successful gay football club who play at level 12 of the English league system. Their team featured Craig Rice, who spoke exclusively to the Kick It Out website ahead of the game.

The game proved to be an entertaining affair despite the poor weather conditions as both teams went on the attack from the start of the game. It was Fans For Diversity who got off to a flying start, netting three times in the first 20 minutes. Former Dagenham and Redbridge striker Chris Moore netted them all to seal an early hat-trick.

Stonewall quickly picked up their performance and were able to make the scoreline level going into the half-time interval.

The second half saw a host of changes for both teams as the game became a goalfest – with Stonewall eventually getting the better of Fans For Diversity winning 7-5.

The exhibition was a great success with both teams playing the match in a friendly but competitive manner. After the game, Anwar Uddin, lead on the Fans For Diversity, was delighted to launch the team that will be the embodiment of the campaign.

“Fans For Diversity FC is all about bringing fans together from across the country and giving them the opportunity to play football in stadiums against good opposition such as Stonewall FC.

“What has been brilliant about tonight is the fact that we have had men and women from different backgrounds play with each other and essentially enjoy what football is – which is about bringing people and communities together.

“It has been a fantastic game and I really enjoyed getting my boots back on as well!”

Fans For Diversity Team: Anwar Uddin, Phil Steer, Chris Moore, Jon Nurse, Tom Perez, John Pownall, Aslie Pitter, Lea Leanne-Baynes, Manisha Tailor, Alex Kohnert, Rob Crane, Jordan Meikle, Chris Bishop, Justin Cummins, Neil Blackburn, James Falasie, Ola Fisayo, George Elek, Stefano Nicotra, Ollie Young-Miles, Greg Johnson, Will Mowbray.

Image: Julian Rouse RPS

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

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