Despite the rain, thousands of gay men and lesbians took to the streets to celebrate this year's 'the decades' themed parade, before the party later on Saturday afternoon in Hyde Park.

From Liberty X and the Cheeky Girls, to Blue and Misteeq, the top muscial pop groups of the moment were there to entertain. In addition there were a number of 'dance' tents for those that into garage, hip hop and trance, whilst Classic FM also staged a concert for those who wanted a more relaxed musical day!

Before the finale featuring Heather Small, there was a four-team five-a-side tournament, and The FA were there to pit their skills against teams from the Metropolitan Police, a team from the tv series Footballers Wives, and a team from Stonewall FC.

Stonewall FC have a number of football teams which contain a mixture of gay and straight men, and also hold the distinction of being current British, European and World Gay Games Champions. 

The FA were invited to take part in the football tournament after holding discussions with the club prior to launching its Ethics and sports equity strategy. The Strategy is about encouraging and increasing the involvement of groups at all levels of football by recognising that inequalities exist and taking steps to address them.

From community coaches to better facilities. From targeting minority ethnic communities to encouraging racial integration. The FA will also support funding and budget applications at all levels of the sport and provide partners, such as the Government and Sport England, with a clear understanding of what The FA is working towards.

Ensuring that a football environment is appropriate for all people at whatever level they choose to play or participate is crucial and supports the notion of lifelong involvement. This is self evident in the mass of people prepared to give back something to the game in order to support its future. 

The FA aim to make sure everyone involved in football has a positive experience, that they want to come back for more and that the game is inclusive and welcoming. The FA, in its policies, systems and activities, is providing clear and consistent messages about what we believe is fair and equitable.

On the football pitch in Hyde Park, The FA team finished a worthy second out of four teams, after being defeated twice by Stonewall. Jerry Newman from The FA's Customer Relations Unit said:

"Despite the weather it was a competitive mini-tournament, and some of the football that Stonewall played was amazing - some of my teammates were not impressed when they kept getting 'megged' by one of Stonewall's midfielders!

"The fact that their first team also won the Middlesex Counties League Premier Division last season shows what a good team they are, and I think shatters a lot of myths or bigotry that gay men cannot or shouldn't play football."

Lucy Faulkner is The FA's Ethics and Sports Equity Manager.

"The FA's commitment to 'kicking racism out of football' is well known, but perhaps people are not so aware that The FA is equally determined to eliminate any other forms of discrimination in our national game", she said.

"At the grassroots of the game we are constantly looking to increase participation, be it playing, refereeing, coaching or volunteering, and The FA want to get to a position where everyone has a chance to be involved in football, regardless of their ability, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation."

TheFA.com will be running a feature about Stonewall FC over the next couple of weeks. The club has just started a training session that players from all the teams can attend, and are also encouraging any new players to come along.

The sessions take place every Wednesday from 8.15pm in Mile End, East London, although the club play their home fixtures in North Harrow. For more information email: stonewallfc@hotmail.com