Riverside shows its support for LGBT football team

Riverside has joined forces with a Merseyside-based LGBT football team to show support for LGBT and gender equality within the sport.

The housing association, which has its head office in Liverpool, has donated £1,700 to the Mersey Marauders Football Club and will see its logo emblazoned on the sleeve of the team’s new kit.

In addition to the two-year sponsorship, Riverside will hold a series of friendly football games against the club to further promote the partnership.

Riverside is a Stonewall Top 100 employer, this year ranking at 36 nationally, and has a track record for its work in promoting equality and diversity in the workplace and beyond.

The move to support grassroots LGBT football has been described by the Marauders as ‘a fantastic opportunity for both parties’.

Club Chairman Paul Williams said: “We are delighted to have Riverside as one of our sponsors.

“As an organisation that puts equality and diversity at the forefront of their values and vision, Riverside is a perfect community partner for Mersey Marauders FC, with inclusivity at the heart of everything that we look to achieve.”

Mersey Marauders is Liverpool’s only LGBT+ football team, formed in 2005. The club’s aim is to provide gay men from Liverpool and the surrounding areas the chance to play football in a supportive and inclusive environment.  

The mixed team is open to anyone – gay, straight, bi or trans – aged 18 and above.

John Glenton, Riverside Executive Director and Co-Chair of its LGBT staff network, added: “Many people in LGBT community are made to feel that playing competitive sports like football is just not an option for them.

“We’re thrilled to be able to support to the Marauders and to promote the great opportunities they provide to the LGBT community across Merseyside.

“We’re also looking forward to putting on our boots and challenging the club on the pitch in some friendly football matches we have lined up in the coming months.”