Inaugural Aslie Pitter MBE Trophy launched
Aslie Pitter, one of Stonewall FC’s co-founders, has had a trophy named after him having received an MBE earlier this year for his work in tackling homophobia.
The inaugural Aslie Pitter MBE Trophy match was contested between Bexleyheath Police FC and Bexley Invicta FC, a team created to promote gay-friendly football, at Welling United’s Park View Road ground. Aslie attended the game, witnessing Bexleyheath Police beat Invicta 3-0.
Stonewall FC, the country’s first gay team, was founded 20 years ago, subsequently acting as a catalyst to encourage more gay men and women to play competitive football.
In a recent article with the London Evening Standard, Aslie said: “Today there are five other gay teams in England, so we’re no longer unique. But with all that we’ve been through, from some colleagues dying of Aids to others meeting their life partners, the club has become an extended family, and more than a football club.”
Brian Silk, of Bexley Invicta, said: “We felt proud competing for the Aslie Pitter MBE Trophy. Invicta would not exist without the work of Aslie and Stonewall FC, so the trophy is in recognition of our heritage and of the work that continues, including this match. I am delighted to be working with the local police and welcome their new LGBT police liaison service.”
Aslie, alongside Bexley’s Deputy Borough Commander, Detective Superintendent Darren Williams and the Deputy Mayor of Bexley, Cllr James Spencer, presented the trophy to Bexleyheath Police.
Borough Commander Darren, said: “The Aslie Pitter MBE Trophy was set up to recognise his work, but also the strong links that police have built up with the LGBT community. My officers took part in this match in their own time and it is another example of how the police at Bexley are committed to engaging with local communities.”
