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IGLFA International LGBTQIA+ Football Association and the Sin City Classic are proud to organize a friendly soccer match highlighting gender diversity within IGLFA member clubs and players. All players are welcome, with special invitation to transgender and nonbinary players. The purpose of this friendly match is to show by example that trans players belong in the beautiful game, that everyone belongs in football/soccer regardless of gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.

The Kicking Out Transphobia ALL TRANS AND NON CONFORMING players is the first in the US, but previously there have been soccer matches of this kind in Mexico, Brazil and UK.

This will be a non-competitive, friendly match to build community, and the kick off of few more tournaments initiatives happening worldwide The match will take place at Desert Breeze Soccer Complex (8275 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas NV 89147), Saturday January 14 2023 at 3:30pm, after the conclusion of the first Day of the Sin City Classic matches.

By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him)

As the first wave of Covid lockdowns hit in 2020, an idea soon became a reality with the first annual “Kicking Out Transphobia” Soccer Tournament which endeavors to raise awareness and funds for the trans community. The first tournament, with both men’s and non-binary division brought 8 teams together and helped raise over $8000 for Morris Home. The second tournament added a women’s and non-binary division and included two more organizations, Philly PALS and Kensington Soccer Club helped raise another $8000 that went to Morris Home, Rainbow Room and Trans Life Line. Now, preparing for their 3rd event, the organizers, and their partners, the Philadelphia Falcons LGBTQ+ Soccer Team and CASA Soccer League are continuing to grow and raise money for trans/intersex/non-binary charities, including Morris Home, PA Rainbow Room, Attic Youth Center and Galaei. The tournament will include an 8v8 Women’s & Non-Binary Division on August 14th and a 11v11 Men’s and Non-Binary Division on August 14th and 21st.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE
https://competenetwork.com/kicking-out-transphobia-soccer-tournament-raises-funds-for-the-trans-community-and-encourages-participation-in-sport/

In the summer of 2024, the Philadelphia Falcons and Casa Soccer League teamed up to launch the inaugural KICKING OUT TRANSPHOBIA event, marking a historic moment for both the LGBTQ+ community and the local soccer scene. Held as part of the Falcons’ Summer Pride Fundraiser, the tournament’s mission was clear: to raise funds and awareness for the transgender community while uniting people through the power of sport.

Eight passionate teams—UCFC, Rapid fc, FC Delta, Oaklyn United, The Cousins, Vidas FC, Fishtown, and the Philly Falcons—stepped up to the challenge as founding participants. This monumental first edition wasn’t just about soccer; it was about solidarity, visibility, and action. With every match, the teams demonstrated their commitment to inclusion, sending a powerful message that soccer truly is for everyone, regardless of gender identity.
The event proved to be a resounding success, raising over $8,000, with all proceeds donated to Morris Home, a local organization dedicated to supporting the transgender community. The funds directly benefited trans individuals, providing vital resources for housing, healthcare, and community services.

The success of this first edition set the tone for future events, establishing KICKING OUT TRANSPHOBIA as a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Falcons’ commitment to equality and justice in sports. The collective spirit, passion, and generosity of the teams and supporters made history, laying the foundation for an ongoing movement to uplift and empower the trans community.

The second edition of KICKING OUT TRANSPHOBIA continued to grow, with eight teams from the Men’s & Non-binary side competing in a preseason tournament to raise funds for trans organizations. Teams like Philly Falcons, Inter New Jersey, The Cousins, Boys Do Cry, Still Procesing, Bluestars and Vidas FC united to support Galileo, Rainbow Room, Trans Lifeline, and Morris Home.

In addition, the inaugural Women’s & Non-binary division launched with 3 teams from the Falcons, Lady Bandits, Kensington Soccer Club, and the inspiring Philly PALS, a team from the local softball league formed to support the cause. The event once again showcased the power of sport to foster inclusion and raise vital funds for the trans community.