Camden Bells FC to Host Football Versus Transphobia Charity Tournament

Northeast London Camden Bells FC Founder Hannah Thornley talks to myGwork about why football must create a truly inclusive space for ALL, where players are free to play without prejudice. She also shares why the community football team – which is open to women, queer women, trans and non-binary people and gender-non-conforming folk – is hosting a Football versus Transphobia Charity Tournament next month on Sunday 6th March.

Hi Hannah, can you tell us about Camden Bells FC, its history and players?

The initial idea to start a football team came about in the back of a taxi en route home from a weekend away with friends. We had a fantastic time together – bonding over sports and games some of us had never played before – so we wanted to create an active, safe space for us to feel as elevated as we’d felt that weekend; all while learning new skills without any pressure and judgement.

I officially kicked things off in November and since then Camden Bells FC has flourished into a fully established, inclusive football team. Many of the team were strangers when they started and now we are a close-knit group of friends made up of women, queer women, trans non-binary people and gender non-confirming folk. It’s a real community and it’s so uplifting to see everyone coming together each week. I believe every individual gets something out of the sessions – whether that’s blowing off steam after a stressful day at the office or leaving with their head held high because they’ve mastered a step-over.

Can you provide some background information that has led to Camden Bells FC participating/organising the charity tournament?

We have been aware of the respective Football vs Transphobia and Football vs Homophobia campaigns for a while. They do brilliant work but it’s sad that we need charities like this, as transphobia and homophobia occurs too often in the game. Unfortunately, we were involved in a transphobic incident following our first league match in early February. An official of the Super 5 League told us that one on our team, a trans non-binary person, should not be allowed to play in a “women’s league.”

We were angered as this space claimed to be LGBTQIA+ friendly so we took our case to the Football Association, who were less than helpful. Every point we made was met with “your club is welcome to join a mixed league” or “why doesn’t your teammate join a make team.” This was in addition to asking for our player to submit invasive, and frankly unnecessary, hormone tests before they would be allowed to play again.

After failing to receive an adequate response we decided to boycott the league, and since then many teams have followed suit. It’s evident that what happened to our player isn’t an isolated incident and real change is now required to ensure this doesn’t happen again. At the end of the day this is grassroots football. We should be free to play without prejudice and that’s what we are striving to create. We know change won’t occur overnight, so we are now focussing our efforts and energy on establishing a truly inclusive space alongside fellow clubs. We hope to create enough positive noise and momentum so the rules have to adapt in order to meet the community playing the sport.

The first event we are hosting will be a community tournament – with beginner and intermediate teams – on Sunday 6th March to raise funds for Football vs Transphobia and Football vs Homophobia. We hope it will create a real constructive conversation and empower teams to know they don’t have to play in spaces that are anything less than welcoming and supportive.

What are some of the main challenges faced by trans, non-binary, non-gender conforming players?

As a cis-woman I can’t speak for the trans community about the challenges they face, but as an ally – and following what our player was subjected to – I can tell you that the system is not built to support trans non-binary players; and it’s appalling. Like I said earlier, this is grassroots football. People simply want to play for pleasure, but the unnecessary regulations add ridiculous amounts of red tape which make it harder for trans non-binary people to play freely.

It’s particularly harmful when spaces who are affiliated with the FA claim to be LGBTQIA+ friendly or inclusive. You can’t be that if you’re tied to the Football Association or Amateur Football Association due to these regulations. I believe the LGBTQIA+ community is far too often used as a marketing ploy, or a tick box exercise, because in reality, we are not wholly embraced, empowered or protected. This needs to change.

What has been the FA's response to date and what more should it be doing to promote inclusion?

As mentioned, the Football Association’s response was less than satisfactory. They were unwilling to listen to our challenges and provided us with stock answers. There was no personal support or understanding. They argued that the regulations around "gender" are in place because they "don’t want people to be hurt." They believe that trans non-binary people hold an "advantage" and therefore it "isn’t safe for people to play against them."

We believe this is flawed and obsolete, and ultimately damaging and transphobic. Football is a contact sport. Many people are hurt while playing. Broken legs, ankles and countless concussions occur, but no policies are put in place to ban the cis-people who inflict those injuries. If they cared about safety and inclusivity – and ensuring everyone has access to football – they would not subject minority groups to harmful processes. I encourage them to take notice of the amount of people who want change. We are simply asking to play football freely and we will continue to strive to ensure that can be achieved. At the end of the day the FA should want to accommodate and adapt to the needs of everyone playing this sport, otherwise communities will outgrow them – much like this situation – and what they offer will only cater for a specific group of people.

Why is it important for sports teams especially in football to create a truly inclusive space for ALL players?

Everyone should feel welcome everywhere – not just on the football pitch. But in regard to team sports, such as football, when one person is made to feel anything less than welcome the whole team feels it. Each individual should believe they are a vital member of a squad; they need to be supported by their teammates and coaching staff as this creates a strong rapport that ultimately builds a team spirit and bond which will elevate the team and empower them to achieve successes. If a team works together on and off the pitch then individually we can all truly benefit from this beautiful game in every sense.

When is the tournament and what can individuals and companies do to help support the event and promote inclusion for ALL players?

The tournament will take place on Sunday 6th March from 12-5pm at Haggerston School. If anyone reading this is part of a beginners or intermediate team, please get in touch and request a submission form before Sunday 27th February, as we’d love to have you play on the day. In addition, if anyone reading lives locally, we encourage you to come along and cheer on from the side lines. We will have live music, refreshments and merchandise on sale from Football vs Homophobia with trans activist and influencer Charlie Craggs attending the event. So it’s set to be a great community atmosphere. And finally, to any companies out there who wish to support this event – or future events – please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Financial contributions go a long way, so please look at our GoFundMe page if you can support us. Thank you.

myGwork is a proud sponsor of this year’s Football Versus Transphobia Charity Tournament.