I have joined Stonewall FC and will be playing some of my football with them as well as with Leftfooters FC.  This is possible because the clubs are so different (see links above)  and I am not the only person to play football with both Stonewall and Leftfooters.

Over the last year, I have become increasingly involved in Stonewall FC, thanks to being introduced to them by my friend, Michael English, Stonewall player and sometime Leftfooter.  As well as attending their social events, I had the privilege of training with their 2nd team - Stonewall Apprentices - in the lead up to London 2008.

I enjoyed both the socials and the training and have got to know many of the Stonewall players and others involved in the club.  I have found them really welcoming to me and my football has improved too.

I’m playing the best football of my life and I feel fitter and stronger and faster than I ever have.  I probably don’t have too many years’ competitive football in me, so I want to play it whilst I can and Stonewall feels like the most comfortable place for that to happen.  This begins on Sunday, when I turn out for their 3rds, away to London Titans.

When I play for Stonewall FC, I know that it will be a bit more competitive than when I play for Leftfooters, and I accept that.  And when I play with ‘Footers I know that our ethos is crucially important to what the club is about.

For me, Leftfooters are the best in the world at what they do and Stonewall are the World’s best at what they do.

Leftfooters is all about providing a space where anyone can play football at whatever level they wish and in an inclusive and supportive atmosphere.  ‘Our overriding philosophy is that if you can’t play football to save your life then you’ll be perfect for us.’  Jumpers for goalposts, ‘last goal wins’ and off to the pub etc.  Unique and special, it was Leftfooters that got me back to playing football again.

Stonewall FC are indisputably the best gay football team on the planet, being the current ‘gay world cup’ holders and having numerous other footballing achievements to their name.  They allow (mainly, but not exclusively) gay footballers to play to a high competitive level for a visibly gay club.  Stonewall’s footballing excellence is both stereotype-busting and an inspiration to gay footballers everywhere who want to succeed at football.  See here for more of me waxing lyrical about Stonewall FC.

If there are two teams that are no competition for each other, they are Leftfooters FC and Stonewall FC.

‘Footers forever! and ‘Stones’ forever!  I am proud to be part of both clubs.