Village Manchester Crowned World Champions

Village Manchester Football Club, who joined the L&C ten years ago and have fielded two or three teams in the league are delighted to officially be crowned the best LGBTQ+ football club in the world after winning the World Championship and Gold at the Gay Games in Valencia, as it also celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Village official Antony Lockley OBE, who is the new President for the L&C for the coming season said: "Becoming World and Gay Games Champions is the biggest achievement in our club's 30 year history. This victory belongs to everyone who has been a part of Village Manchester Football Club, past and present.“

Taking four squads - two 11-a-side teams and two 7-a-side teams - to compete against the finest LGBTQ+ football clubs from across the globe, VMFC delivered an unforgettable tournament in soaring Spanish temperatures.

The First Team's route to glory was filled with drama. In a gripping Division One semi-final against Seattle Stonewall, Aaron Clarke etched his name into Village folklore with a spectacular long-range strike that secured a 1–0 victory and a place in the World Championship final.

After a tense three-hour wait, the final offered the chance to rewrite history. Eight years after defeat to West Hollywood at the Paris Gay Games in 2018, Village Manchester FC had their opportunity for redemption.Once again, Aaron Clarke delivered the decisive moment, scoring the only goal of the game as VMFC defeated West Hollywood 1–0 to become Gay Games and World Champions for the very first time.At the final whistle, the celebrations began. The sea of red in the stands erupted with joy. There were tears, embraces, chanting and unforgettable scenes as Village Manchester Football Club reached the pinnacle of LGBTQ+ football.

Lockley added: “This triumph is about far more than one team or one tournament. It represents three decades of commitment, inclusion, friendship and excellence built by everyone who has worn the shirt or supported the Club. It takes a Village to become World Champions!“

New players are always welcome and should look at the info at www.vmfc.cco.uk/join.”