LONDON, June 5, 2007  –  One of the highlights of this year’s Pride London festival will be the first-ever Ford Pride London Football tournament to be staged  on Saturday June 23 – a week before the Pride Parade through the streets of the West End.

The event is organised by London Falcons FC and already some 24 gay, lesbian and bi-friendly six-a-side teams from around the country have signed up to play at the Goals Soccer Centre in Wembley.

It will be the first major gay-friendly football event ever seen in the capital and is expected to draw the support from a lot of gay and gay-friendly fans.

The tournament, which is free, begins the previous evening with a draw for the groups.

Organisers say they hope the event will help breakdown the prejudices that often surround gay-friendly football and give a clear example of the high standard of football played by lesbian, gay and bi-friendly teams.

The tournament’s sponsors Ford, also sponsors of the UEFA Champions League, said they were delighted to be involved in the event and in helping tackle the negative prejudices around the game.

“Ford’s commitment to football is second to none and as true fans we believe that it should be an inclusive sport where ability and enjoyment of the game are the only relevant selection criteria at whatever level players participate,” said Ford UK’s marketing director Mark Ovenden.

The organisers are keen to get as many fans and supporters to the event as possible to cheer on the teams.

“We would welcome anyone who wants to come down on the day or to the evening’s parties, meet new people and enjoy the great atmosphere that there always is at football events,” said the London Falcons captain Tom Price.

Pride London, who hope the event becomes a regular attraction of the Pride Festival, said having the sponsorship of a major organisation such as Ford sent out a strong message about the credibility of gay football.

“We are particularly pleased that their renowned sponsorship of main-stream football now, through Pride London, extends to the growing number of gay teams,” commented Jason Pollock, chief executive of Pride London.

“The Ford name can only help create a positive atmosphere for gay and lesbian sports people, particularly in the football world.”

The tournament’s top three teams will be presented with their trophies on the main stage in Trafalgar Square at the Pride London rally on June 30.

Click HERE for more information on the tournament.

 LINKS
 

		London Falcons FC website
		Pride London website