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National trophy joy for gay football team Newcastle Panthers

Jul 10 2011 by Neil McKay, Sunday Sun

A NEWCASTLE football team has become the first from the city in decades to win a national trophy.

The Newcastle Panthers, who play in the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN) league were only formed three years ago – but finished their last season in style by beating London Falcons 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out following a 4-4 draw in a game played at Sheffield FC, England’s oldest football club.

In honour of their achievement, the Panthers have been invited to lead the Northern Pride parade from Newcastle Civic Centre next weekend.

The last football team from Newcastle to win a national cup competition was the now defunct Newcastle Blue Star, who won the FA Vase in 1978. Newcastle United last won the FA Cup in 1955.

Star striker John Harper, 25, a teaching assistant from Newcastle who won the league’s Golden Boot award after finishing top scorer with 14 goals, said: “Gay football is every bit as competitive as so-called “straight” soccer.

“Nobody watching our games would be able to tell the difference. Not all of our team members are gay, some have joined simply because they are friends with other members of our squad.

“We enjoy the friendship and the football, just like any other football team.”