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Charlton Invicta FC continues to grow year on year. How proud are you to be launching the club fourth team, the new Development Team – the Charlton Robins?
I think its fantastic to be in a position where we can offer a developmental space for beginner players to get involved. We have grown so much, and we have so many volunteers who really want to drive the Invicta forwards. Having a development group means we can encourage more LGBTQ+ players toget involved in football and with Invicta.
What is the vision behind the Charlton Robins, and why was now the right time to introduce a dedicated development team?
The vision behind the Charlton Robins is to encourage as many LGBTQ+ people as possible to get into playing football or back into playing football. Football (like many team sports) can be a daunting experience for many LGBTQ+ people, especially at a young age. This can be off putting. Our development group is being launched for people to come along, train, work on skills, meet likeminded individuals in a less intense, less competitive, more fun, more socialable and inclusive setting where mistakes can be made – it’s a learning space. We want people to develop their skills, build, or rebuild
their confidence, get active and just enjoy football.
Who is the Charlton Robins aimed at, and what opportunities will it create for players who want to get involved in LGBTQ+ football?
The Charlton Robins will be aimed at anyone who’s never played football before or has played but doesn’t like the overly competitive nature of football or hasn’t played for a long time and just wants to ease themselves back into the game in a less intense space. Our coaches are here to help you grow.
How do you see the Charlton Robins strengthening the pathway for players, both on and off the pitch, within Charlton Invicta FC?
Ideally the Robins will be a platform to us to allow LGBTQ+ people to get back into or into football for the first time and if they choose to do so they can progress upwards into our more competitive teams playing in the London Unity League or Gay Football Supporters Network.
What impact do you hope this new team will have on the wider LGBTQ+ community and grassroots football across South-East London?
I hope that establishing a development team will representing another open door advert to LGBTQ+ people across South-East London to get involved in football without the game being driven solelt by results as many football clubs operate based on results and trophies – our focus for the Robins team is on development and enjoyment above anything else.
Charlton Invicta has always been about more than football. How does launching the Robins reinforce the clubs commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and community?
It really is another big reason why Invicta is a football club second. Friendships, exercise, mental and physical wellbeing, bringing people together and enhancing local communities is what has made Invicta so special over the years. I think this really does show how enthusiastic and committed we are to offering more people the chance to get involved, make friends, enhance social networks, and get active in an inclusive encouraging environment. Making football for everyone really is in our DNA.
For someone whos never played for an LGBTQ+ football club before, what would you say to encourage them to come along and give the Charlton Robins a try?
I know football can be off putting for many LGBTQ+ people. I stopped playing when I was 18 and never got back into the game until I was 31. The last 12 years playing for Charlton Invicta FC havegiven me some of my most joyous occasions. I even met my fiancé through LGBTQ+ football.
How can people get involved with the Charlton Robins, whether they're experienced players, complete beginners, or even interested in volunteering and supporting the club?
So, anyone interested in getting involved with our Charlton Robins Development Team can just each out on our Instagram @cactinvictafc or email us at information@cactinvictafc.com. This includes anyone keen on getting into football or back in football in a playing aspect, supporting, or volunteering. Our Club and Teams are run entirely by volunteers who give up their free time to make football a game for everyone.
With four teams now representing Charlton Invicta FC, what does this milestone say about the club's growth and its relationship with Charlton Athletic?
The Club has grown rapidly since the Covid Lockdowns. We established two teams in the summer of 2021 due to the number of people wanting to get involved after the lockdowns. I think the impact of having little or no outdoor activities was a driving force behind this. It took us a while to get two teams settled down but since 2023 this has worked well.
The GFSN Team is more sociable playing on Saturdays across the UK and Ireland has grown since we first entered in 2019 and we’ve competed well in all competitions finishing as cup runners-up in 2024 and league runners up this season. Now that we are adding a developmental space is a huge sign of our growth but also to the increased visibility on LGBTQ+ football in South-East London since our affiliation to Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Charlton Athletic FC in 2017. Being able to use the Clubs platforms to share player stories and support campaigns and visibility days has meant that more people are seeing LGBTQ+ within professional football stadiums, match day programmes and on their vast social media platforms. The Club and Trusts commitment to LGBTQ+ has given us the platform to continue to expand our offerings.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for Charlton Invicta FC over the next few years, and what message would you like to share with anyone thinking about joining the club?
Our aim is always to grow football opportunities for LGBTQ+ people. With the support of Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Charlton Athletic FC we have the stability and platforms to continue to expand our offerings. We never know where this will lead or how far we can grow – but for now this is one of the most exciting times to get involved and as we move into our 10 th season since affiliating to Charlton Athletic FC family the future really does look bright for Invicta.
Elliott Webb (he/him)
“Becoming a manager for The Robins development team is a rewarding opportunity to support players both on and off the pitch, helping to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where individuals can
develop their football skills, build confidence, and feel part of a supportive community. I can't wait to get involved and show what the Robins can do and see how far they can go!”
