WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The International Gay Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) () has awarded the Federal Triangles Soccer Club (FTSC) of Washington DC the 2009 Gay Soccer World Championships (). The tournament is scheduled to take place June 14th - June 21st, 2009.
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The 2008 Gay Soccer World Championship is being held in London starting on August 24th () and is expecting close to 40 teams representing 13 countries. The London tournament is the first major sporting event being hosted in the city as the Olympic torch is being handed to London 2012 from Beijing. The 2009 tournament in Washington, D.C. will be the first time the IGLFA is hosting the tournament in North America, outside of the Gay Games, since 2004. This will also be the second time that FTSC is hosting the tournament, as it was previously held in Washington, D.C. in 1997.
The organizing committee for the 2009 tournament is feverishly working to set up the tournament sites with games expected to be played in and around the Washington, D.C. area, culminating with the Championships to be played on Sat. June 20th. FTSC working with strong support from the city government and services, as well as from the IGLFA and the gay community.
Quotes:
“On behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia, we look forward to hosting this prestigious event. In addition to promoting good sportsmanship it affirms our city’s reputation as being inclusive and tolerant. We look forward to welcoming the world to our nation’s capital.” Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty
“IGLFA 2009 will put the international spotlight on DC’s dynamic sports scene and vibrant GLBT community. Both international and GLBT markets have proven to be big spenders when traveling, so the image and economic benefits are significant for the city.”
Bill Hanbury, president and CEO of Destination DC
“We are thrilled to have the prestigious IGLFA tournament returning to our wonderful city. We are confident that the world class fields and facilities we are providing will make the experience a memorable one for players and fans alike. The men and women traveling to our city to take part in the Championship will find a city rich in history, a region full of exciting sights, and a culture of acceptance that will make them feel welcome.” Jim Ensor, 2008 President, Federal Triangles Soccer Club
“We are very pleased to be having Washington, D.C. and the Federal Triangles Soccer Club hosting the 2009 IGLFA Tournament. The city and the club have showed tremendous support throughout the bid process. We are also very happy to be bringing the tournament back to North America for the first time in five years and are sure the next WC2009 will be one of the best.” Tomas Gomez, IGLFA President.
About The Federal Triangles Soccer Club
Federal Triangles Soccer Club (FTSC) () is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to promote the growth of soccer and foster a sense of community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and GLBT-friendly players. We pursue these goals by providing a venue for the play of soccer where we encourage players of all levels to participate and improve their skills through club-sponsored (and free) soccer academy sessions, pick-up play, teams to compete in local soccer leagues, and in local, national, and international tournaments. FTSC proudly maintains membership in the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) and is host to the 2009 IGLFA World Championships. ()
About the International Gay Lesbian Football Association
The International Gay and Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) shall foster and augment the self respect of gay women and men throughout the world, and engender respect and understanding from the non-gay world, through the medium of football (soccer). Additionally we work to establish an international network of football clubs and to promote physical and tactical understanding of the game of football. ()
/PRNewswire-USNewswire — Aug. 22/

Federal Triangles Soccer Club