The Proud Valiants came out as winners in the fourth annual Charlton v Homophobia Tournament on Monday 27 May. Managed by their Patron Paul Mortimer, the Charlton Athletic LGBTQI+ fan group were among six teams taking part in the tournament this year.
Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) Invicta FC, the University of Greenwich, an RAF team, a team of journalists and Charlton Athletic Deaf FC, making their first appearance, also participated.
Organised by Proud Valiants, the club and CACT, the tournament forms part of a wide range of annual activities taking place across the Charlton Family to tackle homophobia in football. In July, CACT and the club will be taking part in Pride in London for the second year in a row.
This year’s tournament was attended by a number of special guests including Jonny Williams, Charlton Athletic Women’s goalkeeper Katie Startup and leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Cllr Danny Thorpe.
Amal Fashanu was also there. Amal’s uncle, Justin Fashanu, was the first openly gay professional footballer in the UK.
Amal said:
“I believe it’s important to continue to raise awareness. I think the issue of homophobia in football is particularly important. It’s a subject that I’ve been campaigning and talking about since 2012, and it’s very close to my heart for obvious reasons.
“My uncle Justin committed suicide when I was 11 and I just think any type of event or getting together where we can talk about this issue and raise awareness is extremely important. I feel very honoured that there’s an award named after my uncle Justin.”
Cllr Danny Thorpe said:
“It’s an amazing thing. The work of Charlton and CACT Invicta has meant that the club and fans are working together to ensure that football is a place that is available for everyone and everyone can get involved.
“The Valley is a place for the whole community, and I think that is absolutely amazing.”
Michael Seeraj, CACT’s Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, said:
“This year’s tournament was incredible. Following the great result the day before, we were thrilled to welcome so many of the fans that attended Wembley back to The Valley for the tournament.
“This event is a great example of our commitment to promoting a better understanding and awareness of the LGBTQI+ community, and the importance of inclusion. It also demonstrates what Charlton fans, the Club and CACT can achieve, when working together.”
The University of Greenwich had won the previous three years, including the inaugural tournament which took place in 2016.
Paul Butler, the University’s Director of Information and Library Services, who took part on Monday, said:
“The annual Charlton v Homophobia tournament is always a great opportunity for the university student and staff community to come together and demonstrate our support for the LGBTQI+ community and equality and diversity at the university, whilst also showing off our football skills.
“It was great to see so many students and colleagues come down on the day to support the team and have a good time, even if we didn’t make this year our fourth victory in a row!”