A milestone on the field
Footy With Friends, a soccer group for queer women in New York City, marked its first anniversary this month with a celebration that brought together more than 1,400 members.
The milestone reflects a journey that began when founder DK, who moved to New York in 2022, decided to create a space where sapphic women could play soccer without the prejudice that still pervades many leagues.
Matches are held at McCarren Park in Brooklyn, a venue chosen for its accessibility and its reputation as a community‑first environment. Players use whiteboards to organize teams on the fly, ensuring everyone gets a chance to contribute.
Tackling bias in the sport
A 2024 survey by the anti‑discrimination organization Kick It Out highlighted widespread sexism and homophobia in soccer, reinforcing the urgency of Footy With Friends’ mission. The group’s structure deliberately remains female‑only and queer‑only, a policy championed by its leadership.
Bryte Darden, a longtime player and organizer, says the group’s whiteboard system not only levels the playing field but also fosters camaraderie, turning each match into a chance to build lasting friendships.
Future ambitions
DK envisions taking the model beyond New York, with plans to launch chapters in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Philadelphia and Toronto. The expansion aims to replicate the safe, inclusive atmosphere while addressing the broader lack of representation for queer women in sport.
With two decades of soccer experience, DK believes the sport remains the most powerful way to connect people across identities, and Footy With Friends is poised to become a blueprint for similar initiatives nationwide.