From a handful of people enjoying a kick-about, to a growing band of players, officials and supporters - Belfast Blaze FC continues to grow from strength to strength.
Billed as Northern Ireland's first and only all-inclusive LGBTQ+ football team, the club was started in September 2019 by a small group of friends at Colin Glen.
Their goal was to embrace and encourage a "sense of belonging, promote acceptance and the celebration of diversity" in the sport of football.
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Almost three years on and their message is reaching a wider audience, and the club is determined to attract more members ahead of potentially playing in this summer's Sunday League.
Belfast Blaze Secretary Chris Dineley said: "Football is often perceived as a macho sport and has often been homophobic and ostracising for individuals.
"We seek to promote the safety and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community whilst providing both sporting and social events that promote pride, visibility, equality, and inclusion.
"No judgements are made at Belfast Blaze FC.
"When we started it – we had 10 people for a kick-about. Now we have nearly 300 Facebook members, nearly 700 Instagram members and 40-odd in the player group chats.
"At the start it was very hard just to get 10 people together for a kick-about with individual LGBTQ+ concerns, but interest has certainly grown from day one.
"To be honest only two or three people remain from the first kick-about night but that shows how much more we have grown. We have now had meetings with the Irish Football Association (IFA) who want to be linked to us and we hold our Annual General Meetings at the National Stadium."
Chris says the club is "immensely proud" of what it has achieved since establishing the club back in 2019.
He added: "Most definitely. From struggling to get 10 people for a kick-about to ever-growing social pages, weekly kick-about nights, training, matches etc. Now we are getting some attention from local businesses for sponsorship.
"Things are looking up! We have a seven-person committee with the same interests, determination and goals wanting to help Belfast Blaze FC strive and continue to grow.
"We 100 per cent feel we can and want to grow much more. We want new members to come along – whether that is to compete in matches or just to play in our kick-about nights or take part in training – make new friends within our own community etc."
Belfast Blaze caters for players aged 18 and over and currently has one competitive team.
They hope to add another team in the months ahead as they continue to grow in size.
"We currently have one competitive team then a group of people only interested in the social football side of things," Chris said.
"We do hope that some day we will have two competitive teams – this is all down to people being interested and us gaining more members.
"We recently competed against the Dublin Devils in the 'Declan Flynn Cup' where we narrowly lost 2-1 in a two-legged game – home and away. The Dublin Devils are Dublin’s LGBTQ+ team whereas we are Belfast’s LGBTQ+ team.
"The IFA is setting up a pilot scheme for games on a Sunday and want us to be involved – so far, we have competed in one game at Jordanstown University in this. We will also be looking to enter a team in this summer's upcoming Sunday League!
"One of our targets is to compete in the Gay Footballer Supporters’ Network (GFSN). This is a UK based competition with all LGBTQ+ teams in the UK however the main thing holding us back at the minute is funding. A lot of travelling and overnight stays would be involved in this.
"When we are not competing though, we schedule friendly matches to keep people’s interest alive."
Chris added: "Anyone no matter what background can come along initially on Monday nights at Newforge at 8pm.
"This is where we hold our kick-about nights and intend that to continue at this stage. This is where you’ll will get a feel of Belfast Blaze and be told further information you require.
"If you feel the need to though - please contact a committee member or our social pages for more information on how to get involved."
Chris believes Belfast Blaze have "broken down barriers" following the club's launch almost three years ago.
They continue to offer a safe and welcoming environment for people of all sexual orientation to enjoy the sport of football.
And that's an environment he wants to continue promoting in the weeks and months ahead.
"We welcome everyone and have people currently involved no matter of sexual orientation, religious beliefs, race, disability etc," he said.
"Our team was set up for LGBTQ+ members but anyone in support of the LGBTQ+ community are also encouraged to come along!
"We provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for all – that is what Belfast Blaze is all about. We don’t care if you are a beginner or a more highly skilled player. We set up drills based on levels of abilities at training and teams at kick-about nights are evenly selected.
"When we started – we had UK/International based sponsors – Pride Sports UK and Galaxy Smithkline (GSK) who helped us buy our first kit as prior to us owning a kit, we were borrowing kits.
"Now we have local business sponsor, Del Pieros, who contributed towards us getting tracksuits and polo tops for everyone to feel more part of Belfast Blaze and our team.
"We are always looking for more sponsorship and welcome any help at all to assist the growth of Belfast Blaze FC.
"If you are interested in sponsoring us and being part of our exciting project – contact our social media pages or email us and someone will be in touch."
As for anyone interested in joining, or even trying out one of the kick-about evenings...
"For all up to date information regarding Belfast Blaze FC please go and have a look at our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages," Chris said.
"Everyone is welcome at our kick-about night from 8-9pm every Monday at Newforge Sports Complex on the 3G pitch – please note that due to some bank holidays – these may be cancelled.
"At the minute we have family, friends and partners of players coming along and supporting us. If you are not interested in playing – we would love for people to just come and show support to us at matches.
"If you want any further information, want involved or want to reach out and help us in any way - you can also email us at belfastblazefc@outlook.com."
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