The organisers of the International Gay and Lesbian FA World Championships have been looking back on last week’s successful competition which saw a clean sweep of titles for English sides.
Hosted by Left Footers FC and with over 40 clubs taking part from every corner of the globe, London 2008 saw Regents Park and Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium as the main venues where Stonewall FC added yet another major triumph to their ever increasing trophy cabinet.
The reigning European title holders destroyed SAF-GAY of Argentina 5-0 to lift the World Championship, a victory that avenged their Final defeat in Buenos Aires last year.
Stonewall went through the entire tournament without conceding a goal and the club’s Doug Edward commented: “We played with pride and thoroughly deserved to win the title after winning seven games to get to the final.
“It was a great experience to play at Leyton Orient and we hope to take this success into our season with the Middlesex County Football League,” said Doug whose final victory was watched by Sir Trevor Brooking, the PFA’s Bobby Barnes and Supt. Annette Wightman of the Metropolitan Police.
Hackney Ladies FC won the women’s 7 a side competition with a 2-0 victory over Alexandra Park while one of the founding members of the GFSN National League, Leicester Wildecats FC, upset Stonewall 2nds in the Division 2 final, winning on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
The lead up to the tournament included a player coaching session from ex-AC Milan and England striker, Luther Blissett and Chris Basiurski of the Gay Football Supporters Network was delighted with the week-long event.
“London 2008 was the result of a great deal of hard work, dedication and vision,” said Chris.
“The event will go down as both the largest and most successful gay sporting event held in the UK to date.
“Our congratulations go to all those who took part and demonstrated that gay football is thriving, not just in the UK but across the world.”
