A women’s football team that includes 5 transgender players have sparked outrage after dominating an Australian tournament and taking home $1000 in prize money!
The Flying Bats FC recently dominated a women-only amateur football tournament in Australia, whilst fielding 5 transgender players in their squad.
Their victory has sparked outrage in their local community, with the parents of some of the opposition side pulling their daughters out of the game as a result.
Officials from other clubs in the region have also voiced their disdain for the Flying Bats, saying that they would prefer the side to play in mixed gender tournaments instead.
One such official said of the matter:
“Our girls are here to play for fun and expect to play in the female competition. They did not sign up for a mixed competition.
“Some of the parents were so concerned they would not let their daughters play.”
“It was so disheartening for them to see the huge difference in ability — they’re killing it.”
It is even reported that, during the recent tournament, one of the Flying Bats’ trans players scored 6 goals in a single match, in which the side claimed a triumphant 10-0 victory!
The team were said to remain undefeated throughout the 4-week tournament and took home $1000 in prize money as a result.
The Flying Bats’ recent victory in the tournament opens up a touchy debate around gender inclusivity.
The side are backed by Pride in Football Australia – an organisation determined to bring about social equality and gender inclusivity into the sport of football.
The Flying Bats’ Football Club President, Jen Peden, has defended her side’s recent victory in the tournament.
Peden said “As a club, the Flying Bats FC stand strongly for inclusion, and pride ourselves on safe, respectful and fair play, the promotion of a supportive community for LGBTQIA+ players, officials and supporters, and the significant physical, social and mental health benefits that participation in sport brings, especially to marginalized members of the LGBTQIA+ community,”
However, a spokesperson for binary Australia, a group who insists that there are only two genders, rebukes the league’s decision to allow the Flying Bats to field transgender players.
She also added that some of the girls on opposition sides were told not to forfeit or complain about the situation so as not to face any potential repercussions.
Earlier this month we reported that another girls’ football league could be AXED due to not letting a boy play in their matches as the debate around gender discrimination in football seemingly rages on.
Do YOU think that transgender players should be allowed to play in single gender leagues? LET US KNOW BELOW!
