The 4th annual Charlton v Homophobia football tournament was held at the Valley in May 2019. The six teams competing this year were Proud Valiants (managed by our Patron Paul Mortimer), CACT Invicta FC, University of Greenwich, Royal Navy LGBT, Charlton Athletic Deaf FC and the Media/Journalists Team.
The teams were drawn into two groups of three with Proud Valiants and Royal Navy winner their respective groups. The remaining teams competed in classification games for 3rd through to 6th place. First up CACT Invicta FC beat the Media/Journalists Team and then University of Greenwich beat Charlton Athletic Deaf FC.
Midway through the event our VIP guests said some words to the group including our Patron Paul Mortimer, Amal Fashanu and Councillor Danny Thorpe. Amal Fashanu and Proud Valiants Chair Rob Harris then presented the inaugural Justin Fashanua Fair Play Award (as decided by the four referees) to CACT Invicta FC.
The four referees present at the Tournament this year deserved a special thanks for their tremendous work in ensuring the games stuck to the strict timetable and that all matches were played in great spirit - from left to right as pictured above - Kenny Wilkins, Lucy Clark, Josh Smith and Davel Ravel.
In attendance at the Valley and hot off a legendary Wembley appearance was none other than Jonny Williams along with Charlton Athletic Women's FC number 1 Katie Startup - who had both taken time out to come and support such a fantastic cause.
The final was a exciting contest between Proud Valiants and the Royal Navy which was won by Proud Valiants team. And the night finished with success for Proud Valiants led by Paul Mortimer who won their first piece of silverware.
Next year will see the event mark its 5th anniversary! Watch out for more details nearer the time!