On International Transgender Day of Visibility (Monday, March 31st), Charlton Invicta player Courtney has discussed her experiences of attending games at The Valley since transitioning, and how it has helped her reconnect with football.
“I joined Charlton Invicta in the summer of 2023 because I wanted to get back to playing football in an inclusive environment. With today being a day of positivity and celebration of the trans community, I wanted to share the wonderful positive experiences I’ve had coming to The Valley to watch the club’s men’s and women’s first teams," Courtney explained.
“Charlton’s home game against Cheltenham Town in November 2023 was the first football match I’d been to since I transitioned. I’ve been going to football across the country and Europe since I was young so I wasn’t new to watching games, and I had been to other sporting events. However, this was my first football match since I transitioned and that brought nervousness and anxiety.
“I’d been to other sporting events, they had been positive, although I hadn’t been to a football match yet. Football has, and still does, plays such a big role in my life, but I hadn’t been to a game yet so my mind was running with all these thoughts which you worry about, such as receiving comments and hate.
“There was nothing to worry about and it was incredibly positive. You can watch the game, have a drink beforehand if you want, and just enjoy the football. I’ve been more regular in attending games this season and it has continued to be very positive. You don’t have to worry, you can come and enjoy the game, which is really nice.
“Playing for and being associated with Charlton Invicta and the Proud Valiants is fantastic. The club do a lot for the LGBTQ+ community and making football as accessible as possible.
“I wanted to share how positive my experiences have been. If you are worried or nervous, which is totally natural, then I couldn’t recommend The Valley more if you want to come to watch live football. Watching football is much better live and you don’t realise that until you come back and see it, so if you want to watch a game then I couldn’t recommend Charlton more.”