Reds hosts friendship match at Academy
Liverpool Football Club hosted a friendship match on Sunday in celebration of LGBT History Month and the Level Playing Field week of action.
Liverpool's Ability Counts team took on Mersey Marauders FC at the Kirkby Academy to celebrate the club's ongoing commitment to equality and inclusion.
Marauders FC were in impressive form en route to winning the game 11-3 and lifting the trophy.
LFC's Ability Counts team, which has been running for 11 years, encourages all disabled footballers to join, train and play in competitive matches against other Ability Counts teams across the county.
They have won various titles for the club including; the Northwest League title, the National FA Cup and in 2010 and 2013, the European Disabled Cup.
Marauders FC are Liverpool's only football team for gay men. Established in 2005, they train every week and new players of any ability are welcomed.
They joined the national 11-a-side gay football league (GFSN) last season in Division 3 and went on to win it. They have also won the Gay Football Supporters' Network Cup and are currently top of Division 2 with the hope of being promoted to the top-flight next season.
Michelle Kirk, LFC's equality and inclusion advisor, said: "As a club, we ensure that we encourage an inclusive atmosphere for all fans, regardless of the colour of their skin, ethnic origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation.
"We are proud to work with LGBT History Month and Level Playing Fields to help remove discrimination and prejudice, and promote the message that everyone should be able to enjoy football."
Chris Wright, chairman of Mersey Marauders FC, added: "It was great for the team to be involved in this game. We enjoyed the challenge and the experience of playing at the Academy against the LFC Ability Counts team.
"It is so important to continue to work towards breaking down prejudicial barriers and increase awareness of the diverse community here in the city and beyond."