As part of Leicestershire & Rutland County FA's support for Football v Homophobia (FvH), we're proud to highlight the remarkable journey of Leicester Wildecats, our county's dedicated LGBTQ+ football club. For 28 years, they have been building a welcoming football community where everyone can enjoy the beautiful game.

Building a Vision of Football for All

When Leicester Wildecats first began, their mission was simple but powerful: to create a space where LGBTQ+ footballers could play without fear or prejudice.

Club Chair Steve Crofts recalls the vision. He explained: "We wanted to give people from LGBTQ+ backgrounds somewhere they could play football and feel completely safe. There's always been a stigma around being LGBT in football, but we've managed to create this brilliant safe space for everybody."

The club started modestly, as founder Gareth Miller remembers: "After noticing a few gay clubs starting up around the country, I put some leaflets out in local gay venues. We got about ten people that first week for a kickabout—that’s all I imagined it would be."

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community

What began as casual meetups has flourished into something extraordinary. Today, Leicester Wildecats has around 80 members, including a growing number of members who share their vision of inclusive football.

"When I started, we had just one or two people who classed themselves from a straight background," Steve notes. "Now, because it’s far more accepting, they now make up about 25 percent of our club. It's fantastic to see so many people accepting what we believe in and what we want to do as a club.”

The club has also grown competitively, joining the National Gay League in 2002 while maintaining its core values of fun, friendship, and support.

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Members of Foxes Pride

How You Can Support Football v Homophobia

Football should be a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and included. Through the efforts of organisations like Leicester Wildecats and ongoing support for campaigns like Football v Homophobia, we can continue to challenge discrimination, inspire positive change, and ensure that football is a space where everyone can be themselves.

We encourage clubs and leagues across Leicestershire and Rutland to sign up on the Football v Homophobia website to become FvH Champions.

Grassroots organisations can gain access to valuable information and resources to help adopt inclusive environments within their teams and communities.

Find out more about how you can support Football v Homophobia and stand against discrimination in football here.