From Prejudice to Pride in partnership with Kick it Out, Grassroots and Cheshire FA hosted a women’s football tournament as part of LGBT History Month.

The aim was to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of women’s football from the 1920s to the present day.

The 5-a-side tournament was open to existing teams or groups of friends who wish to get a team together to come along and play. The information was distributed through the Cheshire Women’s Football networks by Cheshire FA. There was a very positive response with many teams expressing support and enthusiasm for the idea. Some teams were unable to participate due to prior commitments but on the day eight teams took part in the round robin tournament for the Lily Parr Trophy.

The matches were played on the 3G pitches at Moss Farm, Northwich, the base of Cheshire FA.

There was also the opportunity for people watching to get involved:

• Human table football
• Skills for girls
• Beginners taster sessions

The tournament was won by a team from Manchester Metropolitan University based in Crewe, Cheshire. In addition to the main trophy both teams of finalists received rainbow laces and there were also awards for players of the match and fair play through the tournament. The day was played in an excellent spirit with all teams sharing pizzas after the matches.

All the teams showed an enthusiasm to carry the messages of inclusion and diversity onwards and do more work to ensure they are welcoming to all women and girls interested in taking up football.

The Cheshire FA hosted the exhibition of memorabilia and artefacts barrowed from Cheshire Museum service including display panels, vintage football boots, shirts and the original minutes of Cheshire FA ban on the women’s game from affiliated pitches in 1921.

This event was funded by the Kick it Out Grassroots activity fund, find out more by clicking the image below.