Dulwich Hamlet are staging a ground-breaking friendly against Stonewall FC, the Gay World Champions, on Wednesday 11 February (KO – 7.30pm). The match coincides with Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender History Month, which takes place throughout February. It also forms part of Dulwich Hamlet’s ongoing anti-homophobia campaign this season. Entrance is only £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. The club have agreed to donate all proceeds from the evening Stonewall’s chosen charity – the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
We are pleased that the local Southwark Branch of the UNISON trade union has agreed to be co-sponsors of the match, alongside the national Hope not Hate campaign group. Support this season has also been provided by the Kick It Out campaign, the Fare Network and the Football Association.
Mishi Morath, Dulwich Hamlet Football Club Committee member, said “We are honoured to host Stonewall FC in a friendly, with such a high-profile & important message being sent out to the rest of the Non-League football community. We have set the admission prices low, to encourage as many people as possible to come along”.
Duncan Hart, from the Supporters’ Trust, commented “We are really looking forward to this friendly. It is a clear commitment from the club that we are committed to inclusion and making Champion Hill a welcoming place for everyone. It’s proof that the Trust and Fare funded anti-homophobia banner behind the goal at the car wash end is not just tokenism, but something that we are living up to.”
Final word goes to Eric Najib, manager of Stonewall Football Club: “As a Club we are proud, honoured and pleased to take part in this game at Champion Hill, and we really applaud everything Dulwich Hamlet are doing in terms of this match. It will be a great experience to play this friendly match, and we’re all looking forward to it.”
Dulwich Hamlet Football Club play at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, SE22 8BD & compete in the Ryman League Premier Division. The ground can be reached on foot in 5 minutes from East Dulwich train station or 20 minutes from Denmark Hill. Buses 40, 185,176,484 & P13 also pass the ground.
Dulwich Hamlet will also be providing free tickets to LGBT fans for the home game against Metropolitan Police on 21 February. This provides a great opportunity for new fans to experience the fantastic atmosphere and welcome at Champion Hill. More information on how tickets will be distributed for this game will be published on the official website in due course.