‘It’s a reminder that trans and non-binary people can play sport’

A NON-BINARY islander has been celebrated among the top names within women’s football in the UK for their part in an inclusivity-focused football club.

Fire Brewer-Marchant plays for Manchester Laces, which won Grassroots Initiative of the Year last month at the inaugural Women’s Football Awards, in which another islander, Maya Le Tissier, was shortlisted for Young Football Player of the Year.

It was hosted by Eni Aluko and Jamie Carragher, with stars such as Alessia Russo and Declan Rice also taking home awards.

‘We’ve worked so hard to create an inclusive space for women and non-binary people so being recognised for it is so important and exciting,’ said Fire.

‘We hope this brings more attention to safe LGBTQ+ spaces within sport and a reminder that trans and non-binary people can play sport too.’

The team also received an award at the inaugural Football V Homophobia awards in February 2022, less than a year after the club was founded.

Fire had previously played for the Guernsey team for many years before taking almost a year out of the sport due to struggles with mental health.

They said that a lack of local support played a part in their departure.

‘I think there is definitely a conversation to be had with the Guernsey FA on encouraging non-binary and trans people to play the sport. Although I didn’t come out as non-binary when I was training with GLFC, there was definitely no open representation there either,’ they said.

‘Non-binary, intersex and trans people in Germany can decide which gendered team they would feel more comfortable playing for, so why can’t it be a thing elsewhere too? If Germany can make it work, we should be able to, too.’

Upon moving to the UK, they started their non-binary journey and the success of the England Women’s side, which won the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euros, inspired them to return to football.

‘Just after the Lionesses won the Euros, I decided to see if maybe there was a club who would be open to supporting and encouraging me back into football as it’s been a massive part of my life since I was a child,’ said Fire.

‘I found the Laces through Google, who openly champion non-binary and trans people, and the rest is history. It’s almost been a year with the club now and I am not planning on going anywhere.’

They said joining the club has seen their self-confidence blossom.

‘The Laces brought me back my love for football. Since moving to the UK, my mental health has really improved and part of that is because of the friendships I have made and the community at Manchester Laces,’ they said.

‘They care about player welfare more than any team I’ve played for and it makes such a difference. I get excited to train and play in matches every week rather than forcing myself to go, and it’s the community the Laces have created that is the reason why.’

Fire trained with Maya Le Tissier while growing up in Guernsey, and said the Manchester United women’s centre-back’s path was inspiring.

‘Seeing how far she’s progressed since we were children is great to see – she has a long, successful career ahead of her and I am very excited for her future.’

Fire plays as part of the nine-a-side green group who play weekly in the Manchester Women’s Flexi League as well as a cup competition.

There are four other Laces groups, including purples and orange, which are also nine-a-side, with the blues and yellows being 11-a-side teams playing in the Greater Manchester Women’s Football League.

To celebrate receiving their accolade, the team will be holding an end-of-season party.

• More information on the club is available on its website at manchesterlaces.co.uk.