A team from Hall for Cornwall (HFC) swapped tap shoes for football boots in an exhibition match with new LGBTQIA+ team Stargazy FC in a celebration of Cornish diversity and inclusion.  

Hayle Athletic Football Club hosted the friendly match on Sunday, February 4. Stargazy FC scored a commanding 9-3 victory over the theatre part-timers, with DHL as shirt sponsors and Truronian Coaches as official transport provider.  

Spectators were treated to a pre-match display by The Supernova Cheerleading team from Embrace Dance Fitness led by Jade Stewart-Tribe and Sammy Jo Crocker.  

Cheering on from the sideline, HFC chief executive Julien Boast said: “I bumped into Stargazy FC on Instagram. My team found their story irresistible, and we became immediate friends.  

HALYE, CORNWALL, ENGLAND - February 4th 2024 : Players from Stargazy FC, CornwallÕs first LGBTQ+ football club and the newly created Hall for Cornwall football team, line-up for a friendship team picture prior to their match, photographed by HfC photographer in residence Hugh Hastings.
Players from Stargazy FC and Hall for Cornwall line-up (Hugh Hastings / Hall For Cornwall 2024)

“At HFC we’re always looking to dismantle barriers and champion diversity through our own work, and here was a Cornish football team doing just that. 

“With Black Voices Cornwall, Cornwall Pride, Wildworks Theatre and TecWomen already resident in our building, we saw this as an opportunity to build a new partnership and shine a spotlight on an initiative that’s making it possible for an ever-more diverse collection of people to enjoy team sport.” 

Stargazy FC was launched in February 2023 as a Cornish LGBTQIA+ football team making it possible for diversity to flourish in team sport. Training sessions are held at Hayle FC on Sundays from 6pm, with time for sport and socialising.  

Richard Pallot from Cornwall FA said: “Everyone at Stargazy FC is always excited to play any match, but playing against our friends from Hall for Cornwall was an extra special occasion.  

“HfC supported the concept of Stargazy from the very beginning. They understand the need for inclusive spaces in Cornwall, whether that be on the pitch or on the stage and everything in between. The game was a huge amount of fun.”