Bexley player-manager says playing on Charlton Athletic's pitch will be big step for LGBTQ community

The Addicks recently announced their Charlton vs Homophobia football tournament which is set to take place at the Valley on May 22.

Proud Valiants, Charlton’s official supporters’ club for LGBTQ+, Bexley Invicta, the only LGBTQ-friendly football team in south-east London and north Kent and the University of Greenwich will lock horns on the day.

Gary Ginnaw, 32, player-manager of Bexley Invicta, who came out nine years ago, says the event will be a big step for everyone involved.

He told News Shopper: “It’s a big step for everyone, I’ve spoken to family and friends about it, too.

Gary Ginnaw

“We’re not asking for any kind of special treatment, it’s just all about acceptance.

“I’m a man who wants to play football regardless of sex preference.

“Having a football club as big as Charlton supporting the issue lets other people know it’s okay to play and be different.”

Mr Ginnaw has been playing with Bexley Invicta for over a year and the team, who train in Bexley and Dartford, have a number of gay and straight players.

Discussions with Charlton and Proud Valiants started in February about the possibility of hosting a day at the Valley in an attempt to tackle homophobia.

Mr Ginnaw was full of praise for the club for setting everything up.

The Charlton season-ticket holder said: “Charlton have been keen in the past to do something with us.

Bexley Invicta

“It is steering towards the LGBTQ+ and Proud Valiants – they got in contact with us and we discussed how we can support the campaign.

“It’s quite good of Charlton to be supporting something like this more than once a year. They have been really interested to promote the issue which is great.”

He added: “Being a Charlton fan myself and playing on that pitch – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Email Proud Valiants at proudvaliants@gmail.com if you’re interested about attending the tournament.