Republica Internationale: 40 years of left-wing football

Words: Alice

Images: Ian Parker

Celebrating our 40th anniversary this year, Republica Internationale FC is an explicitly left-wing grassroots football club based in North Leeds. I had heard of Republica because of their politics but never really played football before so didn’t think was for me. But then someone I work with put an advert recruiting in a staff room and it said “all abilities welcome” so I decided to give it a go. And I’ve now been with Republica for nearly five years!

We currently have three teams situated within both the men’s and women’s Sunday Leagues, alongside two newly developed teams that seek participation in alternative leagues, such as a new Saturday community league that is open to all genders.

We promote and facilitate participation in football for our members. And a sense of community; an anti-fascist football family that strives to make everyone feel welcome. It’s all about being daft, the joy, silliness and friendships. We strive to create a club that’s inclusive for all those who share our values, regardless of their ability, gender, sexuality, race, or income. We strive to challenge prejudice and discrimination both on and off the pitch.

Most importantly, we are more than just a Sunday League football club . Republica works alongside local charities and organisations and attend protests and community events. We are in several networks across both the UK and internationally with like-minded teams who strive for social change through the medium of football. Each year, we attend other teams’ tournaments but also host our own May Day Tournament which raises money for local Leeds charities: Andy’s Man’s Club and Leeds Survivor Led Crisis.

For our 40th anniversary, we hosted the Network Tournament in Bradford and Bingley Sports Club. The annual Network Tournament started life as The Alternative World Cup and was first hosted by the Easton Cowfolk in 1998. It was conceived as an alternative to the mass commercialisation of modern football; a place where like-minded folks could have a space to play football and gain a sense of solidarity. Most of the teams were identified through contacts on the left-wing punk scene and were united by their anti-fascist credentials. Over the years, the network has widened out to include new teams that share a similar ethos.

The tournament consists of two days of Football, three nights camping… and partying! The tournament is a DIY football festival with live music, DJ sets and other weird and wonderful entertainment by the players from our anti-fascist network. Republica are very excited to host our friends from across Europe and to come together again with our wider, alternative football family.

©Ian Parker/ Terrace Edition. Republica Internationale FC.

Republica can be found on Instagram: @republicainternationale

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