Fulham FC Foundation are excited to be collaborating with London Falcons across the 2023/24 season, to educate and inspire Foundation participants and to learn from the expertise and experiences of London Falcons. We spoke with London Falcons to understand more about the club and their exciting upcoming tournament, EuroGames 2023, in Bern, Switzerland.
Who are Falcons?
Founded in 2006, the London Falcons are an LGBTQIA+ inclusive football club based in South-West London, whose mission is to provide a safe and inclusive playing environment for LGBTQIA+ footballers and allies. They compete locally in the Wimbledon and District League against other nearby teams, and nationally and internationally in competitions against other LGBTQIA+ inclusive football clubs to promote football as an inclusive sport for everyone – no matter their sexual orientation.
One of the most important events in the Falcons’ football calendar and the highlight of their pre-season preparations is participating in the EuroGames tournament at the end of July. This year’s edition is being held in Bern, Switzerland and runs from 26-29 July. The Falcons will be competing in the 11-a-side football tournament over 27-28 July, with their opposition including teams from elsewhere in the UK, Germany and Mexico.
What is the EuroGames and why does it matter?
Held in a different city across Europe every summer, the EuroGames represents Europe’s premier LGBTQIA+ multi-sports event, bringing together a few thousand LGBTQIA+ athletes and allies from across the continent.
It matters because although there has been progress made on LGBTQIA+ rights in recent years, sport is still not fully inclusive of everyone. Some athletes face barriers to competing or participating because of their gender identity and others face a hostile and discriminatory atmosphere that makes them hide their sexual orientation from their teammates, friends and family – something that many of the Falcons have been able to identify with in the past. The EuroGames prides itself on being a safe and welcoming space that promotes and celebrates diversity and inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in sport.
What does the EuroGames mean to some of the Falcons?
There’s a range of EuroGames experience throughout the Falcons squad: some longer-serving players have had the opportunity to compete in previous editions held in Nijmegen, Rome and Paris, while this year’s trip to the Swiss capital will be the first taste of EuroGames action for some. Here’s what participating in this year’s tournament means to some of the squad:
Will Oster, midfielder (Chairman)
“The EuroGames is something that myself and everyone at the club looks forward to each year. It encapsulates everything that we stand for as a club in terms of celebrating who we are, being visible to the wider community and being competitive in the sport that we love. It is incredible to see so many LGBTQI+ athletes and allies come together in one location to promote the message of acceptance and inclusion in all of the sports that are passionate about, no matter who you are or who you love. In my past experiences, it has been amazing to see Rome and Nijmegen play host to this fantastic festival of sport and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together in Bern this summer. I know we’ll come back with lifelong memories, but a gold medal to add to the collection would be nice too!”
George Coe, midfielder (Captain)
"Playing at the EuroGames has always been the highlight of my season since joining Falcons in 2018. It’s a great chance to test ourselves against other LGBT+ teams across Europe in both an inclusive and competitive environment whilst being an enjoyable chance to tour with the team and strengthen the great friendships with both new and old players!"
Euan Livingstone, defender
"The reason I joined a football team was simple: I enjoy playing football and I wanted to make new mates. The LGBTQIA+ inclusive element was an added bonus of course, and I’ve met some really great like minded people. To now have the opportunity to play with London Falcons abroad is amazing. It’s hugely important to have inclusive tournaments like the EuroGames, as it promotes football as an inclusive sport of everyone no matter your sexuality or gender identity. I’m proud to be playing for London Falcons alongside some good mates, in what will be a great tournament. Soar falcons soar!"
Baptiste Nottingham, midfielder
“Having been part of London Falcons for three years now and not yet playing at a EuroGames, this one feels very overdue. Representing the Falcons at an inclusive tournament such as the EuroGames, makes me proud to be part of a sporting event that celebrates and embraces diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. As an ally within the team, it provides an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and support their journey towards inclusivity in sports. I hope that I can contribute to breaking down barriers and promoting equality. I’m looking forward to a long weekend of football, having fun with friends and hopefully winning some silverware!"
After a silver medal in Rome in 2019 and a bronze medal last year in Nijmegen, the Falcons will be hoping to go one better this year and return from Europe with silverware to start their 2023/24 season!
