Stonewall FC return from EuroGames 2025 with gold medals and historic firsts
– 3 min read
Stonewall FC returned from EuroGames Lyon 2025 with multiple gold medals, a historic international debut for their Women & Non-Binary team, and a reaffirmation of their status as the "world’s most successful LGBTQ+ football club".
With four squads and 65 players, this marked the club’s most ambitious international outing since the 2018 Gay Games in Paris.
The EuroGames brought together athletes from across Europe, competing across 30+ sports in a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ sporting visibility.
This year’s tour also saw the first international appearance of Stonewall FC’s new kits, designed by adidas and supported by shirt sponsor EA Sports FC.
Supported by both long-standing partners, the tour built on the club’s mission to create inclusive, high-performance environments where LGBTQ+ players and allies can thrive, compete, and belong.
Match Reports
Stonewall Lions | EuroGames Champions – Men’s 11-a-side
SFC Lions clinched EuroGames gold for the ninth time, defeating a resilient Mersey Marauders side. After trailing 1–0, Dan Whitehouse equalised with a stunning 89th-minute strike. In the shootout, keeper Alex Branton made two crucial saves before Max Oakton sealed the win. The club are now holders of all three major international LGBTQ+ football titles simultaneously.
“It’s a remarkable achievement to retain our title. The consistency of this club and the calibre of players we continue to attract is nothing but positive LGBTQ+ representation in the game.” Eric Najib, Stonewall FC Lions Manager
Stonewall Lynxes | Divisional Champions – Men’s 11-a-side
A mixed squad of second XI, Unity, and returning legends started slow but bounced back to win their division. They beat Nottingham Lions in the semi-final and a strong Soho FC in the final.
“A fantastic tour showing the club’s continued growth.” Stephen Crosse, Stonewall FC Lynxes Manager.
Stonewall WNB | Historic International Debut – 7-a-side FLINTA
In their first-ever international tournament, the WNB team rallied after early losses to beat two of the top sides in their group, then won two more to take the Divisional Playoff Final.
“An epic experience. We’ll remember this forever. Roll on Gay Games Valencia 2026” Naomi Reed, Stonewall FC WNB Manager.
Spirit of Unity | Men’s 7-a-side
Made up largely of recreational players, this team was led by Aslie Pitter MBE. Despite fierce competition from teams like Pan Copenhagen and Chess Club, they secured a 2–0 win and a draw, finishing 26th of 30.
“Many players were stepping into something totally new… I couldn’t be prouder.” Aslie Pitter MBE, Stonewall FC Founding Member and Spirit of Unity Manager.
Alex Baker, Club Chair, said: “This year’s EuroGames was a landmark for Stonewall FC, not just for the silverware but for the scale and breadth of representation from across the club.
"Huge thanks to Baptiste Waechter, Ryan Atkin, the EGSLF, the IGLFA and all those involved in delivering such a high-quality football tournament.
"To our players, volunteers, and to the many inclusive clubs we competed alongside - thank you. The event showed the power and importance of truly inclusive football, and the pride and sense of community that it can bring.”
