For the first time in London football sporting history, an LGBT football club have secured a partnership with a Championship side in a move to celebrate diversity.
Queens Park Rangers have announced they will support London's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender football club, London Titans FC to show the team's support of kicking homophobia out of the sport.
The Titans, often playing in Riverside Lands, Chiswick , will get coaching tutorials from the QPR academy, support in fundraising and will work with QPR to get a greater LGBT presence at match days.
Chairman Paul Neary said a partnership had been suggested in the past, but it wasn't until he joined the Titans in August 2015 that they put the collaboration with QPR at the forefront.
"There was a deal floating around before, but now it is cemented," said Mr Neary.
"It's a case of us asking what we want from them now there's a new team of people on the committee.
"QPR have always as a team been quite vocal about homophobia and we all want to give something back to the community."
The chairman added: "I come from a generation where homophobia in football was a huge issue. You stand and people will shout all sorts of abuse at you.
"It's good to see teams kicking it out of football and it's becoming more accepted."
Mr Neary said the players were excited about the partnership, which will include access to QPR's coaches.
Formed from a kickabout in October 2005, London Titans FC has grown to become a space for over 50 LGBT players to pursue football away from homophobia.
The team's success has propelled them to reach the second tier final of the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association European Championships after becoming champions of the two tournaments across the country.
Club manager Phil Steer said: "As a club we're really proud to provide an accepting and competitive space for players to experience the game regardless of their sexuality.
"Over the last 10 years we've come a long way and it's great to see the community that has grown around a love of the game free from the homophobia you may find elsewhere.
"Entering into partnership with QPR signals an exciting step for the club, and the importance on both sides of keeping equality at the heart of football."
For more information on the team and getting involved, visit the London Titans website .
