Mersey Marauders FC becomes first LGBTQ+ football club to receive King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Royal honour recognises volunteers creating an inclusive football community for LGBTQ+ people across Merseyside
Mersey Marauders FC, Merseyside’s LGBTQ+ inclusive football club, has become the first LGBTQ+ football club to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK and equivalent to an MBE.
The award recognises the dedication of the club’s volunteers, who provide a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people to play football, build friendships and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Founded in 2005, Mersey Marauders has grown from a small group of players into a thriving community, with more than 70 members. The club supports three competitive teams to take part in local, national and international competitions, as well as casual sessions for less experienced players, delivered in partnership with LFC Foundation.
The club is entirely volunteer run. Its 13 regular volunteers, supported by other members who help throughout the season, contribute over 2,300 hours to running the club each year. Their work covers everything from coaching and organising fixtures to recruiting new players, running social media, managing partnerships, fundraising and arranging socials.
The club’s 2025–26 Impact Report shows the difference this commitment makes. Among members responding to its survey:
98% said the club had helped them feel more connected to the LGBTQ+ community and that they had made meaningful friendships through it.
96% reported a positive impact on their physical health.
91% reported a positive impact on their mental wellbeing.
89% said the club had helped them feel more comfortable being themselves.
For people who have felt excluded from football, or have never had the confidence to try it, Mersey Marauders offers a route into the game and a community where they can be themselves.
Mersey Marauders FC are part of the Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN), a national network of football clubs dedicated to providing safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people to play football. The club has seen significant success on the pitch over the past few years — winning the GFSN Division One and GFSN Cup twice each in the past three years, and finishing runner-up at the Lyon EuroGames in 2025.
Mersey Marauders are proudly sponsored by Sefton Unison and the Lisbon Bar.
Francis Wight, Chair of Mersey Marauders FC, said:
“I could not be more proud for Mersey Marauders FC to receive this award. Our volunteers put in a tremendous amount of work to make the club what it is - and it is incredible to see them recognised in this way. The growth and impact of the club is down to their dedication and perseverance.”
Paul Williams, Chair of the Gay Football Supporters’ Network, said:
“Receiving the King’s Award is an amazing achievement for Mersey and really shows the impact that the club has within the community. Operating outside of the mainstream game, Mersey Marauders – like so many clubs across the GFSN – set a fantastic standard, giving people a welcoming place to play football, make friends and feel supported.”
Wes Clarke, a Mersey Marauders FC player, said:
“Mersey Marauders have given me access to a part of myself I didn't even know was missing. I just love it so much and the people I have met are amazing. It's so great to see the club recognised in this way.”
The award marks a major milestone for a club that has spent more than two decades bringing LGBTQ+ people together through football. It celebrates the volunteers whose time, thoughtfulness and commitment make that community possible.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Mersey Marauders FC
Founded in 2005, Mersey Marauders FC provides a safe and inclusive place for LGBTQ+ people in Merseyside to play football. The club offers competitive and casual football alongside socials, welcoming players with a wide range of abilities and experience. It is a proud member of the Gay Football Supporters’ Network.
About The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. Equivalent to an MBE, it is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.
Impact and volunteering figures
Impact figures are drawn from the club’s 2025–26 Impact Report and reflect members’ survey responses. The club recorded 70 members across that season. Volunteer hours are estimates compiled by the club, totalling approximately 2,304 hours annually.
