Fisher are proud to be supporting the Football vs Homophobia (FvH) campaign at our home match this Saturday.
FvH is endorsed and supported by The FA, The Football League and the LMA. Year round, FvH enables people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity in football, and to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game.
At Fisher, we are committed to promoting equality and to running a community football club that is truly welcoming to everybody. To mark February’s FvH month, we’re delighted to be welcoming representatives of Stonewall FC – the first gay football club in England – to the match as our guests, and we have extended an invite to other community and footballing LGBT groups to attend the game too.
It has been a positive few weeks for professional sports and equality. First Brendan Ayanbadejo, an imposing 6 foot linebacker with NFL side the Baltimore Ravens, won the Super Bowl with his team. Ayanbadejo has been a tireless campaigner for equal marriage and against discrimination in the USA, despite playing in a sporting culture that does not necessarily welcome outspoken players. He has received widespread support and regularly engages fans in debate on Twitter.
And in football, Leeds United player and USA international Robbie Rogers came out on his blog and explained just how difficult it had been for him to keep his sexuality a secret. He immediately received wholehearted support from his team mates including Adam Drury and former Leeds player Robert Snodgrass. He also received messages of support from other members of the USA national team, and fans of all teams on Twitter.
At Fisher on Saturday we’re happy to try and play a small part in ensuring that football is for everyone.
On the pitch for the Fish, Billy Walton and Martin Ford are still working hard to try and get results back on track and to strengthen the squad, particularly in attacking areas. Fisher will be without Sam Friskey on Saturday, who starts a three match suspension. With the Kent Youth Premier Fisher Under 18s impressing in a 3-0 Kent County Cup win at the weekend, the Fisher management team may opt to give youth a chance on Saturday against a Whyteleafe side that are bang in form.
It’s set to be an entertaining day at Champion Hill and we look forward to welcoming everybody to the game. There is however travel disruption, with no rail services to East Dulwich and no Overground to Denmark Hill, so please make sure you plan your journey in advance and leave plenty of time.
Fans travelling from central areas of London should take a train from Blackfriars or Elephant and Castle to Denmark Hill. You can then catch a bus or walk to the ground.
From Rotherhithe/Canada Water, if you catch the Overground to Brockley you can then pick up bus 484 which will drop you next to the ground, though it takes a while. Rail replacement buses run from London Bridge and South Bermondsey to East Dulwich.
Fisher FC v Whyteleafe
3pm, Saturday 23rd February 2013
Kent Hurlimann Football League
Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich SE22 8BD
Standard admission: £7 adults, £4 concessions, FREE accompanied under 16s