Meet Hans Laursen, communications officer with the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) to learn more about the organisation and their work in tackling homophobia in the sport of football:
Why was IGLFA established?
IGLFA was formed in 1982 to provide an organization for LGBT football teams to have sanctioned referees and tournaments, which promote LGBT acceptance through fellowship of sport.
How many members does the IGLFA have?
To participate in IGLFA sanctioned events, teams are required to be registered as members with us.
Currently we have 22 registered teams across Europe, North America, Asia-Oceana, and Latin America:
Arc-en-Ciel Paris, France
Ballboys Hamburg, Germany
CARGO Lyon, France
Dublin Devils, Ireland
ICONS Calcio Milano/Rome, Italy
Kingkickers Milano, Italy
London Titans, England
Stockholm Snipers, Sweden
Stonewall Lions London, England
Styrmir Fotbolti, Reykjavik, Iceland
Trowbridge Tigers, England
Village Manchester, England
Yellow Sport Calcio, Italy
Weiberkram Düsseldorf, Germany
Boston Strikers, USA
Downtown Soccer Toronto, Canada
FTSC Washington DC, USA
Long Beach Waverunners, USA
New York Ramblers, USA
United FC, South Florida, USA
Sydney Rangers FC
Seleccion Argentina Gay Safgay
What are some of the challenges in running the organisation?
Maintaining a worldwide organisation requires coordination and consensus. Achieving this is always a challenge for such a large organisation.
What are some of the key areas of focus for IGLFA at the moment?
Promotion of tournaments and acceptance throughout the world.
Through our outreach program, we have been able to help teams from Africa and Latin America as well as from Eastern Europe to participate at our tournaments.