The Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its founding with a banquet Jan. 26 at William Way LGBT Community Center. The event will include dinner, dancing, awards, raffles and prizes, and is open to the entire community. Tickets for the evening are free to players with full-year memberships, $10 for half-year members, and $25 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at phillyfalcons.leagueapps.com/store.
Since its inception, the group’s mission has been to be “an LGBTQIA+ organization that provides an environment of equality, team dynamics, self empowerment and recreation, on and off the soccer field.” They have long had non-LGBTQ members in the organization and are welcoming to every person interested in the sport. A new motto, “Inclusive. Driven. Soccer,” came about three years ago.
The Falcons annually host the Liberty Bell Classic over OutFest weekend in October and participate in many aspects of the LGBTQ community throughout the area. Members have competed regionally, nationally and last year internationally at the Gay Games 10 in Paris.
Falcon indoor winter season play registration is open through Feb. 2. Full information on joining or supporting the group is at PhillyFalcons.org. All skill levels are encouraged to join in the fray on the pitch.