Belfast LGBTQ+ Football Team Blueprints A Journey From Humble Beginnings

From a few people enjoying the shot, to a growing group of players, officials and fans, Belfast Blaze FC continues to grow in strength.

Named as Northern Ireland’s first LGBTQ+ all-around football club, the club was founded in September 2019 by a small group of friends at Colin Glenn.

Their goal was to “promote and encourage a sense of belonging, acceptance and diversity” in the sport of football.

It’s been almost three years and their message will reach a wider audience and the club is determined to get more members to play in the Sunday League this summer.

Belfast Blaise Secretary Chris Dennelly said: “Football is often seen as a male-dominated sport, often anti-homophobic and degrading to the individual.

“We strive to contribute to the safety and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, while providing sporting and social events that promote pride, clarity, equality and inclusion.

“No decision has been made at Belfast Blaise FC.

“When we started, we had 10 people to beat. We now have nearly 300 members on Facebook, about 700 members on Instagram, and up to 40 group chats for gamers.

“At first, it was very difficult to get 10 people together on single issues around LGBT, but the interest has clearly increased from day one.

“Honestly, there are only two or three people left since the first night from the start, but it shows how far we’ve come. We now have meetings with the IFA who want to call us and we’re taking care of them. Our annual general meeting is at the National Stadium.”

Chris says the club is “very proud” of what they have achieved since starting the club in 2019.

He added, “Sure. From earning 10 people to starting growing social media sites, weekly nights, workouts, matches and more.

“That’s good! We have a seven-member committee with the same interests, aspirations and goals who would like to help Belfast Blaze FC achieve and develop.

We feel 100 percent that we can and want to grow even more. We want new members to come – whether it’s match fixing, just playing shooting nights or training – to make new friends in our community etc.

Belfast Blaze caters to players over the age of 18 and currently has a competitive squad.

They hope to add another team in the coming months as they continue to grow.

“We currently have a competitive team, so there is a group of people who are only interested in social football,” Chris said.

“Hopefully we will have two competing teams one day, it all depends on people’s interest and we have more members.

“We recently faced the Dublin Devils in the Declan Flynn Cup, where we barely lost 2-1 in two games – home and away. The Dublin Devils are the LGBTQ+ team in Dublin, we are the LGBTQ+ team in Belfast.

“IFA is preparing a demo scheme for Sunday games and we want them to be involved – so far, we’ve had a game at Jordanstown University. We’re also looking forward to joining the team this summer next week. The League!”

“One of our goals is to compete in the GFSN. It is a UK based competition with all the LGBTQ+ teams in the UK, but the main thing holding us back now is funding. There will be a lot of travel and overnight stays.

“When we’re not playing, we plan friendly matches to keep people interested.”

Chris added, “Anyone, regardless of their background, can first arrive in New York on Monday night at 8pm.

“This is where we spend our startup nights and will continue to do so at this point. Here Belfast Blaze will feel and tell you the additional information you need.

“If you feel the need to do so, contact a committee member or our social media page for more information on how to get involved.”

Chris believes the Belfast Blaise has “breaking down barriers” after leaving the club nearly three years ago.

They continue to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people of all sexual orientations to enjoy the sport of football.

This is the environment he wants to continue promoting in the coming weeks and months.

“Everyone is welcome and now we have people involved in sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ethnicity, disability, etc.,” he said.

Our team is built for LGBTQ+ members, but everyone who supports the LGBTQ+ community should also be encouraged!

“We provide a safe, fun and welcoming environment for everyone – this is Belfast Blaze. We don’t care if you are a rookie or a highly skilled player. We prepare the training to the best of our ability. .

“When we started – we had British/international sponsors – Pride Sports UK and Galaxy Smithkline (GSK) who helped us get our first team, because we were getting the group first.

“We now have a local corporate sponsor, Del Pieros, who helped us get a tracksuit and polo shirt to make everyone feel part of Belfast Blaise and our team.

“We are always looking for more sponsorship and would welcome any help for Belfast Blaze FC’s growth.

“If you are interested in our sponsorship and are part of our exciting project, contact our social media pages or send us an email and someone will contact you.”

As for those wishing to participate or even experience one of the evenings…

“For the latest information on Belfast Blaze FC, please visit and browse our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages,” Chris said.

“Welcome everyone to our startup, every Monday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm at the 3G Stadium at the New York Sports Complex – please note that due to some public holidays – this may be cancelled.

“Right now we have a family of players, friends and partners who come and support us. If you are not interested in the game, we want people to come and support us in the games.

“If you would like more information, would like to participate or would like to contact us and help us in any way, you can also email us at belfastblazefc@outlook.com.”