The Football Association have confirmed that the 'Home of football' will host a major World Championship next August.

Actor and singer Stephen Gately joined Hugh Robertson MP (Shadow Sports Minister), Frank Clark of the LMA, Mikey Collins, Chair of London 2008, Gay Rights Activist Peter Tatchell, Sir Trevor Brooking and FA Equality Manager, Lucy Faulkner, at Soho Square on Monday.

Also present was FA Director of Corporate Affairs, Simon Johnson, former Chelsea centre-back Paul Elliott MBE and The Mayor of Camden, Councillor Dawn Somper at The FA's headquarters to reveal that Leftfooters FC has won the bid to host the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association ("IGLFA") World Championship in London in August 2008.

London-based Leftfooters FC, the number one choice for recreational gay football in the UK, will be hosting London 2008 and has been working with The FA for the last two years, supporting our efforts to tackle homophobia in football and its 'Football for All' campaign. The FA will be providing technical support for the tournament , particularly in the recruitment of match officials and volunteers.

The knock-out rounds are to take place in Regent's Park, with Leyton Orient's Matchroom Stadium set to host the Finals. There will also be recreational tournaments for both men and women. Up to 50 teams from across the world are likely to attend with up to 1000 players and spectators making this the largest gay sporting event the UK has ever hosted.

While being aimed at the gay and lesbian community, London 2008 will welcome all players, regardless of age, gender, ability, race or sexual orientation.

Leftfooters FC is a founding member of the Gay Football Supporters Network national league (the "GNL") and has taken part in a number of international events, including the recent IGLFA Championships in Copenhagen and the Gay Games in Chicago.

The International Gay & Lesbian Football Association, better known as the IGLFA was founded in 1992, with the aim of working with an established international network of football clubs to foster the self respect of gay women and men throughout the world. Today that network stands at over 100 clubs worldwide.