Cornwall’s Stargazy FC on a historic road to EuroGames 2027

A Cornish football team is about to try something no side from the Duchy has ever managed. In July 2027, Stargazy FC will walk out at Europe’s biggest sporting celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, and the long road to get there has just begun.

The Cornwall club has kicked off its campaign to become the first team from the Duchy to compete at EuroGames, and it wants the whole county behind it.

The first Cornish team on the EuroGames stage

EuroGames is Europe’s largest multi-sport event for the LGBTQ+ community, a three-day competition that draws teams from across the continent. Next summer it comes to the UK for the very first time, taking over Cardiff in July 2027.

No Cornish team has ever competed at the event. That changes in 2027, after Stargazy FC’s place in the EuroGames football competition was confirmed this month.

For a club that only formed a few years ago, it is a big step onto a European stage. And it is one the team is determined to take with Cornwall’s name on its shirts.

📷Stargazy FC players in a team huddle before kick-off under blue skies - Credit: Stargazy FC

The ‘Road To EuroGames’ campaign

To get there, Stargazy FC has launched its ‘Road To EuroGames’ campaign, raising the money needed to cover the costs of competing at the tournament and rallying support from people across Cornwall along the way.

“We’re proud to represent the Duchy every time we play, and can’t wait to bring that Cornish spirit to EuroGames 2027,” a club spokesperson said.

“We know that Cornwall always gets behind its sporting teams, and any support that people can provide will make a huge difference, whether that’s through sponsorship, sharing our story on their socials or just dropping us a ‘good luck’ message.

“We’ve seen first-hand the difference that affordable, inclusive football makes to people across Cornwall at our weekly sessions, and for our players to get to represent Cornwall on a stage like EuroGames would truly be historic.”

The club’s GoFundMe page has started bringing in money for the campaign, with sponsored runs, swims and movie nights already planned for the summer. The team reckons it is well on the way to turning this Cornish dream into a reality.

📷Stargazy FC players lined up pitchside in their black and pastel patterned kit - Credit: Stargazy FC

Who are Stargazy FC

Stargazy FC is Cornwall’s inclusive LGBTQ+ football club. Founded in 2023, the team plays competitively in the South-West Pride League and hosts weekly sessions on Sundays in Hayle.

Its work has already been recognised on the national stage. The club has won a Football v Homophobia Award and been nominated for a National Diversity Award for what it does around inclusion and diversity in sport.

Now it wants businesses, companies and individuals across the county to come along for the ride.

“So if there are any businesses, companies or individuals who can support our journey, we’d love to hear from you,” the spokesperson said. “Help us change the game.”

📷Two Stargazy FC players in the club's 80s-pattern kit with Pride armbands, one wearing number 88, on the pitch - Credit: Stargazy FC