Ex-Premier League stars play Rainbow Rovers at groundbreaking Whitehawk FC event

Whitehawk Football Club is to host 'Football United', an event promoting diversity and inclusion at the TerraPura Ground in East Brighton this weekend.
Sophie Cook andDavid Shrigley with the Rainbow Rovers shirtSophie Cook andDavid Shrigley with the Rainbow Rovers shirt
Sophie Cook andDavid Shrigley with the Rainbow Rovers shirt

The football match will feature Premier League All-Stars, former Champions League winners and internationals, playing against ‘Rainbow Rovers’, a team comprised of LGBTQ+ sportspeople, activists and celebrities.

Football United will kick off at 3pm on the weekend of Brighton Pride, Sunday, August 4, with gates opening from 12.30pm.

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The ex-Premier League All Star team features ex-players from Manchester United, Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur and the LGBTQ+ team is player managed by transgender writer and broadcaster, Sophie Cook.

Sophie Cook andDavid Shrigley with the Rainbow Rovers shirtSophie Cook andDavid Shrigley with the Rainbow Rovers shirt
Sophie Cook andDavid Shrigley with the Rainbow Rovers shirt

The Rainbow Rovers shirt has been designed by Turner Prize Nominee and curator of the 2018 Brighton Festival David Shrigley, and depicts a map of the Whitehawk FC region

of East Brighton.

Sophie Cook said: “Football holds a unique position within our society to carry the message of diversity and equality into areas that are often ignored and written off. The game is a universal language that transcends social barriers and this game will send out the message that the beautiful game belongs to everyone regard-less of sexuality, gender identity, race, religion or gender. Football United? It’s bigger than that, it’s People United!”

Maria Horner from The Football Supporters Association (FSA) said: "The FSA are proud to support and take part in this event at Whitehawk FC– it promises to be an excellent occasion demonstrating just how welcoming football can be.”

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For Whitehawk Football Club, Kevin Miller, said: "We’re proud to be hosting such an inspirational game, and on behalf of the club I’d like to thank everyone who has helped put this together. We look forward to welcoming fans from the world of football and from the LGBTQ+ community.... An invitation to all ages, colours, races, faiths, and genders, to join us

and celebrate Inclusion through football, on a weekend where The City of Brighton lights a beacon for inclusivity around the world..."

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