Twenty-two teams from across Sussex lined up for the fifth annual Tackle Homophobia Football Tournament last Saturday, in association with Sussex Clubs for Young People.
MORE than 140 young people from across Sussex battled it out at the Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford, in the spring sunshine, attempting to be crowned Sussex 5-a-side Champions.
Teams from Seaford and Peacehaven successfully won their respective age groups in a fierce but friendly competition.
The tournament was organised as part of the Tackle Homophobia Project, a partnership between Mercread Youth Centre, The Justin Campaign and Albion in the Community, which works with young people across the Lewes District to raise awareness and challenge homophobia.
Project Coordinator Sam Whittaker said: “With ever-present discussions regarding discrimination in football, it is important that we continue to proactively address all forms of inequality both on and off the pitch. We passionately believe that young people should be free to enjoy all aspects of their lives in a positive, safe and discrimination-free environment. This weekend’s tournament shows incredible support from local young people and youth organisations, including schools, youth clubs and football teams, joining together to help bring an end to homophobia in football.”
The project, now in its fifth year, has directly engaged with over 1,300 individual young people through the delivery of educational workshops and weekly football sessions.
Tackle Homophobia has received support from a wide range of organisations, and was showcased at the FA Equality Conference held earlier this year at Wembley Football Stadium.
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