News Articles
2nd June 2007
Kick-off for all-gay team
(Source: Daily Record)
A CHARITY fundraiser has set up Scotland's first gay football team.
Kevin Rowe, 34, says he created Hotscots FC because gay players were not comfortable
in "straight" teamsand had suffered discrimination.
He said: "It's for gay people who like football but who feel a little intimidated playing in
straight teams. The social side is very important.
"It's not like we play in pink strips or anything. It is not blatantly obvious."
Hotscots have a squad of 20 and compete in tournaments in their home city of Edinburgh.
They are planning training sessions in Glasgow and games against other gay sides in England.
Kevin, a fundraiser for the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, knows
the players mayhave to get used to jokes about "playing for the other side" but he insists
they want to tackle stereotypes.
Kevin, of Edinburgh, added: "Footballers can be testosterone-fuelled and it can be an
aggressive game.
"There will be people who feel uncomfortable about being the only gay on the team.
Some of them feel they have to keep it secret.
"It 's nice to have an environment where it's not a big deal, because there's a lot of banter
and I know players who have suffered abuse.
"We'd like to play against gay teams in England. There's a fair few down there.
