As part of Pride month, our SGN Pride network are sharing stories and resources with colleagues across the company, building a community that supports, represents and connects LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies across SGN.
As Scotland and England kick off their World Cup campaigns, Fleet Administrator Josh Fitzjohn shares his story of coaching an LGBTQ+ football team.
Outside of work, I manage two football teams within one of the largest grassroots football clubs in the country, Solent Sports FC.
I’ve been with the club since it first began six years ago. What started as a simple football night for men to come together, improve mental health, and support one another has grown into something incredible.
Today, the club has over 10,000 players and staff and raises more than £250,000 each year for local charities. As well as a kids’ academy, multiple men’s and women’s teams, and over-35s veterans teams, we also have the only Pride football team on the South Coast.
Before becoming manager of the Pride team, I was once asked to step in and play in a match against a team from London. Before the game, I spoke with the opposition manager, who had been involved in the GFSN (Gay Football Supporters Network) league for many years. He shared stories about the struggles different players had faced. Some players had been abused or even chased off football pitches because they were gay.
Hearing those stories was heartbreaking. Football has always been a huge passion in my life, and as a straight male, I had never truly understood the barriers and discrimination many LGBTQ+ people still face in sport today. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to help spread the message that football is for everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are or who you love - if you love football, you should have a place to play it.
Around five months ago, I took over managing the Pride team. It’s our first season and we have around 65 players who attend recreation nights and games. I was already managing another men’s side within the club and supporting the message of inclusion wherever I could, so when I was asked the question, my answer was immediate - absolutely yes. I wasn’t sure how I would juggle everything alongside work and my other commitments, but I knew these players deserved a safe space where they could continue enjoying the sport they love.
In the last five months, the team has grown massively both on and off the pitch. We now run recreational football sessions every Friday night in Portsmouth that are open to everyone, regardless of ability, experience, gender, or sexuality. It’s about making friends, building confidence, improving mental health, and showing the community that football truly is for everyone.
Then came the biggest moment of our journey so far.
On Friday 15 May 2026, we played in the GFSN National Development League Cup Final – and we won 6–1! To see the smiles on everyone’s faces at the final whistle was something I’ll never forget. I couldn’t be prouder of every single player and the effort they put in every week.
I was once asked why I give up so much of my free time to do this. The answer is simple: because football changes lives.
Seeing people smile again, build confidence, grow as individuals both on and off the pitch, and create lifelong friendships makes every second worthwhile.
Football is for everyone. If you’d ever like to come along and join us, drop me a message - we’d love to welcome you.
