Charlton Athletic, in association with the Proud Valiants, have confirmed their annual homophobia awareness tournament will take place at The Valley on Monday, May 27th.
The competition began in 2016 and forms part of a wide-range of activities put on by the Charlton family to tackle homophobia in football as well as raise the profile of LGBTQI+ football.
This year’s event will take place under the floodlights of The Valley with six LGBTQI+ teams taking part in a round-robin 11-a-side tournament.
Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT), who deliver a wide range of programmes designed to promote equality and tackle discrimination including issues relating to identity, gender and prejudice, will also be supporting the tournament.
A full rundown of teams set to compete are still to be announced but will include the Proud Valiants (the club’s official supporters group for LGBTQI+ fans and allies) as well as CACT Invicta, who in 2017 became the first club, trust-affiliated LGBTQI+ friendly football team.
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Chairperson of the Proud Valiants Rob Harris said: “It is with great pleasure we are co-hosting this event with the club for the fourth year.
“Homophobia and transphobia have no place within football. Charlton has a proud history fighting prejudice and making The Valley a safe, inclusive stadium for all fans.
“Events like this tournament are essential to educate and make people aware that football supporters reflect society.
“It also allows younger people, people who view themselves as a member of the LGBTQI community to know they are not alone, that football is for them and that they have a right to love it.
“This events sends a clear message Charlton Athletic support the Proud Valiants 100% and as a club and supporters group we will continue to promote diversity and fight prejudice until football is truly inclusive for all.”
The tournament continues the club and CACT’s strong relationship with LGBTQI+ football which has also seen an annual Charlton Athletic matchday dedicated to Football vs Homophobia as well as representation at Pride in London.