Players from Stonewall Football Club are celebrating after winning a gold medal at this year’s EuroGames.
The London based club, one of the longest running and most successful gay football clubs in the UK, took part in the event – held in Barcelona last month – alongside 23 other football teams from across Europe, with the winning match against old rivals Cologne (Germany) and a score of 2-0.
Prior to the final, Stonewall FC went through the tournament without defeat, including beating Belgium and Milan in the group stages and then beating Washington (who are hosting the World Cup next year) together with a team from Paris in the quarters and another Parisian team in the semis.
The final was played in a local stadium with many of the locals cheering and supporting Stonewall FC as they scored their two winning goals.
Stonewall club captain Darren Lewis told Pink Paper: “The tournament was a great success and another well deserved victory for Stonewall. The standard of football was high and our squad worked hard with a great spirit to bring home gold.”
Stonewall manager Eric Armanazi commented: “Cologne are always a very tough opponent and this match was no exception, but they were struggling with injuries and exhaustion and Stonewall’s extra quality and fitness was telling.”
Of the 23 teams that took part, those that did not qualify from their group stages played out for the recreational competition, which was won by Stonewall FC reserve team, beating Belgium on penalties.
Armanazi added: “The next challenge will be the IGLFA World Cup in London later this month where over 50 teams will be competing at different standards. It will be a fantastic occasion and anyone interested should come down and watch at Regents Park from 24 to 30 August.”
Stonewall FC are the current Gay Games champions after winning gold in Chicago (2006) and are now European champions after bringing home the gold in Barcelona.