Gay Football Clubs: Mersey Marauders

In the second article in our series on gay and gay friendly football clubs we focus on the Mersey Marauders based in Liverpool, England.  We got in touch with team chairperson Paul for this interview.

Can you explain how and when the Mersey Marauders were formed?

The foundation of a gay/bi friendly football team on Merseyside in 2005 was the idea of Steve Hess. Having previously played for London’s Stonewall FC, Steve used the GFSN as a vehicle to gauge interest in a team from the football Mecca of Liverpool. His initial premise was for ‘Fairies across the Mersey’ to gather together and join in the national 5-a-side tournaments, promoting health and fitness and providing a social group for gay and bisexual football supporters and players in and around the Liverpool area. (http://baroberts.bimserver2.com/mersey.html)

Has the team gained any local attention?

Yes, local Liverpool stations Radio City and BBC Radio Merseyside have interviewed team members.  The squad have played matches with teams from Merseyside Police, City Councillors, HMP Liverpool and teams from across the GFSN clubs of the UK and Ireland.

Where does the team practice and play games?

The team practices at Lifestyles Everton Park

(http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/leisure%2Dparks%2Dand%2Devents/leisure%2Dfacilities/everton%2Dpark%2Dlifestyles/)

Great Homer Street
Liverpool
L5 5PH

Matches are held at available pitches in Liverpool.

What kind of activities (if any) do you hold off the pitch?

Socials and fund raisers.  Get togethers to watch key matches.  Bed in at the Bluecoat (http://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/blog/view/who-is-blogging/21)

What plans do you have for the team in the future?

 To join the GFSN League and take part in the GFSN cup competitions next year.  To play in Europe this year.

What has been your most memorable moment as part of the team?

 Winning the Yorkshire Tournament in March this year, coming top of 33 teams.

If one of our readers was interested in joining the team how could they go about that?
Contact us via email or facebook mmfootball@hotmail.co.uk or www.facebook.com/mersey.marauders