Amateur inclusive football clubs write open letter to Football Association calling for a change in rules and it to 'adapt to the world we are in now'
Camden Bells FC and 13 other clubs want the FA to amend their rules and create safe spaces for women, non-binary and LGBTQ+ people to play football. It comes after complaints were made that the eligibility of a player in an inclusive league was questioned.
Tuesday 22 February 2022 13:35, UK
A group of grassroots football clubs are set to sign an open letter to the Football Association calling on the governing body to change their rules to be more inclusive.
Led by amateur team Camden Bells FC, several inclusive clubs will host a community tournament on 6 March, where at least 13 clubs are due to formally sign the letter.
Hannah Thornley, the founder of Camden Bells FC, told Sky News: "We are now pushing to create our own space, which is why we are hosting an inclusive tournament.
"We are going to use this to encourage local teams to come down to get back to playing and to raise funds for Football v Transphobia.
"But also, to show the FA that spaces like this need to exist and will exist with or without them and they need to amend the rules."
Ms Thornley added that almost 130 people are expected to take part on 6 March and sign the letter, which will then be sent to the FA and Amateur Football Alliance (AFA).
'Mixed leagues not the answer'
Camden Bells was formed in 2021 and Ms Thornley said that after discussing the club's concerns around inclusivity, the Chief Executive of the AFA, Jason Kilby, recommended that the club join a mixed ability league.
"Mixed leagues are not the answer. It's about a deeper, better and wider look at the rules, to adapt to the world we are in now," she added.
"People just want to play football and there should not be any red tape. We encourage them to look at how inclusive and safe their leagues are.
"We are looking for them to not ask such intrusive questions, particularly around the hormone questions, there is no need for them to be in place."
Clubs boycotted Hackney league
It comes after several other clubs decided to boycott the Super 5 League in Hackney to show support for transgender and non-binary players.
The league suspended all its fixtures after its commitment to inclusion was called into question by Camden Bells who said they were challenged over the eligibility of a player during their first league fixture.
The club said an official from the league told them that due to concerns for the welfare of any future opponents, the player - who identifies as trans non-binary - should not be allowed to play in a "women's league".
The league, which promotes itself as an environment "where women and non-binary people of all levels are welcome", later apologised to the club.
The AFA and FA have been approached for comment by Sky News.