BELFAST BLAZE

BELFAST BLAZE FOOTBALL CLUB

– Northern Ireland’s first and only allinclusive LBGTQ+ and its allies football team, has been running for eighteen months. Having first been set up in September 2019 by a small group of friends with one clear goal. To embrace and encourage a sense of belonging, promote acceptance and the celebration of diversity in the sport of football. Many of its current members have excelled in other sports, and indeed some have set up sports clubs and societies. But there was an overriding theme that we saw, with increasing clarity in all conversations we had. As a small group of people, we were discovering that many LGBTQ+ individuals had experience oppression and exclusion in sport, from as young as their school and adolescent years. Notably football, which often has been perceived as a ‘Macho’ sport, often homophobic and ostracising for individuals who don’t excel.

This was the aim of Belfast Blaze. We wanted to demonstrate and show visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in football locally, nationally and internationally, and reduce isolation for those that want to play football. We seek to promote the safety and wellbeing of members the LGBTQ+ community in the sport, whilst providing both sporting and social events that promote pride, visibility, equality and inclusion. Eighteen months later and we agree that we have exceeded our initial expectations.

Even during difficult times of a pandemic, and the significant restriction of social and sporting events, we have saw the Club and its membership grow. From the early days of 10 members, and a Christmas Social, to now having over 179 members who follow and support on various social media platforms. To regular Matches and weekly training events with 20 to 30 individuals regularly presenting. We have recently secured Club sponsorship from two well-known international business firms, and we will relaunch in the coming weeks with our full football Kit and training gear, that will proudly display these sponsors - recognising our achievements in a relatively short period of time. Of course part of our continuing success this the diversity of our membership. Whilst predominately and LGBTQ+ team, we have and still welcome heterosexual members who have become integral to the Club and our successes. Membership of the Team is and always will be open to everyone who openly supports and wants to positively contribute to the mission and objectives of ‘’Belfast Blaze’. Current members have told the committee that joining they were nervous showing up for their first training session, but the team were really welcoming and the fact that they hadn’t played football before wasn’t an issue at all. they always felt intimidated by the macho atmosphere around football generally, so they really enjoy playing with Blaze cos there’s none of that at all! We

have a laugh, and they found the coaches to be really encouraging regardless of fitness level or skills level. It’s great to be able to play a team sport without worrying about fitting in! confidence, have an informal chat. It could be the first step you take in discovering a new sport.

Instagram Belfast blaze fc

committee feel that it is our ‘Can Do’ attitude towards the sport, and we welcome individuals from all abilities and skill level. We believe there is a place for everyone in the Team. From novice to league player. Some of current members our established players for other clubs from around Northern Ireland but choose to play for our Club. Why? Because we offer something different, something unique - a safe place where they can be themselves, openly, and play a sport they enjoy, that they love. Without fear of judgement. We are proud of the fact that we are as diverse in our membership, as is diverse the population of Northern Ireland. Our club membership is made up of all religious backgrounds, we have both LGBTQ+ and heterosexual members, and no differences are made. We have travelled south of the Border and won football matches and look forward to the incoming League season where we will participate in our first League and Tournament.

If you want to be part of something exciting, something new in Northern Ireland, get in touch through our Social Media platforms on Facebook or Instagram. Contact a committee member in