The IGLFA (International Gay and Lesbian Football Association) gets their World Championship 2005 underway in Copenhagen this weekend (Sunday July 31).

It is the first time an international gay sports “world” tournament has been staged in Scandanavia.

The Championship – a week-long event – is followed by Copenhagen Pride giving Denmark’s capital a full two weeks of “Football and Pride”.

Competition starts on Monday following the opening ceremonies on Sunday at the world-famous Vega which has attracted acts like David Bowie, Kylie Minogue and Prince.  A lavish two-hour live show is promised, with a DJ taking over until the wee small hours.

With a “day off” on Wednesday, the tournament continues until the finals on Saturday.

Over 400 players are registered – 278 men and 145 women – from 12 counties, including Japan and Australia.

The Championship even has a specially written official song “Come Out and Play” written by Henrik Weinø and performed by Anders Ørsager, both football-players in Pan Fodbold Copenhagen.  Ørsager is also well known as  part of the Danish pop group Basix.  The song can be downloaded in MP3 form by clicking here.

The 68-page official Tournament magazine is also available online   

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

Women
The Swisstinguet's (Switzerland)
Christiania (Denmark)
Femø Female Football (Denmark)
The F-Word (Denmark)
Noreaster - Philadelphia Women (USA)
Magic Virginias (Germany)
Tollen Ollen Berlin (Germany)
Copenhagen Babes (Denmark)
Turtle Dykes (Denmark)
Freedom Glads (United Kingdom)
d'Actief Sjotsters (Belgium)
Croatia (Croatia)
Pan Fodbold & the Hildebrandts 1 (Denmark)
Pan Fodbold & the Hildebrandts 2 (Denmark)

Men
Village Manchester 1st Team (United Kingdom)
Streetboys Munich (Germany)
Vorspiel Berlin (Germany)
Paris PAEC (France)
Florida Storm Soccer (USA)
DC/Philly United (USA)
Samurai Japan (Japan)
NY Ramblers (USA)
Raballder Fotball (Norway)
Hotlanta Heat/ Wild Westphalians (USA/Germany)
Sydney Rangers (Australia)
London Leftfooters (United Kingdom)
Yorkshire Terriers FC (United Kingdom)
Pan Fodbold København (Denmark)
Village Manchester – Canal Street Boys (United Kingdom)
Prague Czech (Republic)
DC America United (USA)

LINKS

IGLFA World Championship 2005 website
IGLFA main website

29 July 2005