Merseyside's leading LGBT+ inclusive football team Mersey Marauders FC have joined forces with Marine FC for the upcoming 2022/23 season.
They'll be playing the majority of their home games on a new pitch at Marine's Travel Arena in Crosby. 20 fixtures across the course of the campaign will be played at the non-league ground and the club are delighted to partner with a team who share the same values.
'We are excited to play our football at Marine FC and build a lasting partnership," said Paul Williams, Mersey's co-manager. "It supports our goal to develop as a club as we look to provide increased playing opportunities for those within the LGBT+ community in a supportive environment.
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"The partnership sends out a positive message of unity within the game in the fight against homophobia and discrimination'.
Marine's CEO James Leary added: "I am delighted that Marine has launched a partnership with Mersey Marauders FC. Marine prides itself on an all inclusive environment and our relationship with Mersey Marauders will support this and our LGBT+ fan base whilst also supporting the growth and plans of Mersey Marauders FC."
The partnership is set to be launched later this month with a match against Rainbow Toffees on Tuesday, July 26. The match falls in the week leading up to Liverpool pride, which will take place on Saturday, July 30.
Tickets are available HERE for £5 and every purchase includes an entry into a raffle which includes a number of exciting prizes, including a signed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Liverpool shirt from the 2021-22 season. Supporters can also win a shirt from the 2018/29 season signed by the squad.
Prizes also include two Marine AFC hospitality tickets for a match in the upcoming season, a crate of Proud Beer, a pride rainbow loop for an apple watch, a Co-Op hamper, a Climbing Hangar family voucher for use at Sandhills climbing wall, a week or weekend stay in an eight berth caravan in Lyons Robin Hood and Subway vouchers.
Each ticket purchased secures one entry into the raffle and multiple entries are encouraged. Even if supporters aren't able to attend the match, supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets as all proceeds will make a huge difference to the club.
Mersey Marauders FC have provided an inclusive space for LGBT+ people and allies to play football in Liverpool since 2005. They run weekly training sessions and compete in two 11-a-side leagues, the Gay Football Supporters Network league and the Midlands Unity League.
More information on how you can get involved can be found on the club's Instagram page and website.
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