World News for Students of English

08-10-2024 15:00

Spain’s first transgender soccer team has made its debut in a regional men’s league in Catalonia, a significant achievement in sports.

Fenix FC consists entirely of transgender men and had previously only played friendly matches. Now, they are competing in the fifth division of a Catalan regional league after overcoming various administrative challenges to gain federated status. This is particularly important given the rise of transphobia, with 302 reported cases of violence or discrimination against LGBT individuals in Catalonia in 2023. Hugo Martinez, the team’s founder, started Fenix FC to provide a safe space for trans men to play soccer, inspired by his own negative experiences while transitioning.

Although their first official match ended in a heavy 19-0 loss, the players emphasized that their right to play and feel safe is more important than winning. The Catalan Football Association confirmed that all players, regardless of gender, can participate in men’s leagues.

Difficult words: debut (the first appearance), federated (set up as a single centralized unit), transphobia (fear or hate against transgender people).

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