Stargazy FC cycle to Cardiff without leaving Hall for Cornwall

Two exercise bikes, five hours and a café full of curious onlookers. That was all it took for one Cornish football team to get from the Tamar to Cardiff, on paper at least, and finish with legs that may never forgive them.

Stargazy FC, Cornwall’s only LGBTQ+ football club, covered 240km on stationary bikes last Saturday (10 October). That is double the distance the players set out to ride.

📷Stargazy FC players taking turns on the bikes in the Green Room Café

Five hours in the Green Room Café

The club took over the Green Room Café at Hall for Cornwall for the day, with players taking turns on two stationary bikes. The challenge was to pedal the distance between the Cornish and Welsh border.

The original target was 120km. After five hours of frenetic cycling, the team had ridden twice that, far enough to arrive virtually at the Cardiff venue where next July’s EuroGames will be held.

📷Stargazy FC players on the bikes at Hall for Cornwall

More than £1,500 raised so far

The effort didn’t go unnoticed by people using the café. By the end of the weekend Stargazy FC had received more than £500 in donations, taking its total raised so far to £1,520.

“Covering the distance between the Tamar and Cardiff in just one day isn’t easy, but the support we had for the challenge was incredible!” said a club spokesperson.

“We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated, cheered us on, or came up to find out more about what Stargazy FC is all about.”

📷Stargazy FC players on the bikes at Hall for Cornwall

A first for Cornwall in Cardiff

Every penny is heading towards one goal. In July 2027, Stargazy FC is set to become the first Cornish side ever to compete at EuroGames, Europe’s largest multi-sport event for the LGBTQ+ community. The Cardiff Games will also be the first time the UK has hosted a EuroGames.

“We’re incredibly proud to be Cornwall’s only LGBTQ+ football club, and every penny that people have donated will go towards helping us make history by playing in Cardiff next year,” the spokesperson said.

Founded in 2023, the award-winning football club runs affordable, inclusive sessions for everyone from complete novices to experienced players, and plays matches across the South West and beyond.

📷Thumbs up from the Stargazy FC riders

More fundraising before July

The club says it has plenty more fundraising events planned between now and July, and would love to hear from anyone interested in supporting it. Donations can be made through its Road to EuroGames 2027 GoFundMe page.

The bikes, though, are off the agenda for a while. “For now, we’re resting our legs, and you won’t see any of us on a bike again anytime soon!”

📷Stargazy FC at the Hall for Cornwall cycle fundraiser