About Us | Exeter Lions Football Club

Exeter Lions Constitution download here
Exeter Lions 2010/11 membership form download here

The birth of the Exeter Lions...

The Exeter Lions formed in February 2009 when half a dozen-or-so hardy souls met up for a kick-about at Exeter University Sports Centre and we've not looked back since!

Why start an LGBT-friendly club?

Homophobia is still prevalent in male dominated team sports like football and it can be quite intimidating for lgbt people. The reason for starting the club was to provide gay men and women in throughout Devon with an opportunity to play football in a non-judgemental and friendly environment. At the same time, we're keen to use the football club as a springboard to challenge homophobic attitudes. Linking in with the Justin Campaign, we're planning on going into schools and colleges to hold workshops and discussion groups which might help to breakdown the stigma and preconceptions associated with homosexuality in sport.

Do I need to be a talented footballer in order to join?

Absolutely not! We welcome players of all abilities and our training sessions cater for those who have never kicked a ball in their life before to those who are more experienced players.

Do you compete in a league and/or cup competitions?

At the moment we don't play in a league, but we are working hard towards joining the GFSN (Gay Football Supporters' Network) league in 2011. We do participate in cup competitions around the country and so far in 2009/2010 we've travelled to Cardiff, Bristol, Leicester, Leeds, Birmingham and Plymouth for various 5 and 6-a side competitions. We also arrange friendly matches against other teams both locally and from further afield.

Is there a social side of the club?

Yes, the social aspect of the club is equally important (and for some of our members probably more important) as the football. Our Wednesday training sessions are swiftly followed by a trip to the pub for a drink and a chat and we try to arrange a social event once a month which can vary from a night out on the town, to a trip to the beach!

Where and when do you play?

We regularly train every Wednesday evening from 7:30pm - 9pm (& Sunday afternoon 12:30pm - 2pm when we have no game) at the University of Exeter Sports Centre.

Please see our fixtures page here for a map & confirmation of dates.

What are the costs involved?

In order to encourage new players to come along and meet us, the first training session is FREE!

Wednesday training is £2 members/£3 non-members

Monday training is £1 members/£2 non-members

Annual membership costs £15 and runs from 1st September 2009 until 31st August 2010

For those joining after May 1st 2010, a reduced membership fee of £7.50 applies

The Committee - 2010/2011 season:

Chairperson - Ashley Brent

Secretary - Craig Lunt

Treasurer - James Grainger

Team Manager - Rich Cowell

Assistant Manager & Coach - Danny Williams

Social Secretary - (joint) Ross & Rich King