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