London Lesbian Kickabouts

London Lesbian Kickabouts is the only exclusively Lesbian football club in London. The event started in Greenwich, London in 1999 as a humble kickabout in the park but swiftly grew to a 10 times per month event, sometimes being held at up to 4 different London locations in London.

The players invested in various sets of equipment, including goalposts and team bibs to make sure the event was transportable from one location to the next to encourage more participants. The spread in popularity of the internet and email meant larger events were more easily organized and advertising less cost-based.

The club has over 300 players on its database who are free to attend any events as and when they choose rather than having a formal paid membership who are under obligation to attend. Games on average consist of 18-30 players and are played 52 weeks per year in all weathers. The fact that the games always go ahead whatever the weather and there are very few cancellations (less than 1 per year in the last 7 years) has played a considerable part in keeping attendances high, as players turn up safe in the knowledge that they will get a game.

Events range from

• 7/8 per side games on outdoor floodlight hard court (every Tuesday night)
• 11 or plus 11 per side games on grass (alternate Sundays)
• Domestic Tournament entry : Entering on average 3 teams per tournament from the club
• Friendly games against other South-Eastern teams (usually once every two months). Given the higher than average age, lower than average fitness and the fact that there is no training, the club is proud of it’s competitive record against domestic league teams – having been unbeaten in these games since it was founded. Players are not selected for these games – every player who wishes to play is given some time on the pitch, usually on a rolling subs basis.
• Coaching sessions (adhoc, usually based around tournament entry-times)International tournament entry : Aarhus X – Tournament, bronze finalists 2004, gold finalists 2005, entered for Paris Tournament 2006.
• Sports Day (takes place annually, silly sports, assault course and outdoor BBQ)
• Trips and holidays – Group trips to Amsterdam, Lesbos, week stays in Devon/Cornwall, Outings for Women’s International and FA Cup finals.

The philosophy of the club is that, whilst being very much football based, the emphasis is on fun and social football in that it is played in a friendly spirit and is inclusive rather than cliquey. The standard of football varies from very high to complete beginner, with most players being of intermediate standard. Where physically possible, players of ability play in the same game to encourage inclusivity, camaraderie and co-operation. There are drinks after the games.

For tournaments, the squad is divided into usually 3 teams, being a strongest and two roughly equal. The age range varies from 17 upwards to 50, The average age being late 20's to late 30's.

The club is completely unfunded, subscriptions or annual membership are not payable and it has no sponsorship. Most games are free. The only games attracting a player contribution are where pitches have to be hired. For those games the cost is split between the players attending.