About us

Angels of Freedom CIC, a Leeds-based grassroots initiative, has carved out a unique role in promoting community health and cohesion through inclusive sporting activities. While their core mission centres on supporting the LGBTQ+ community, their approach to wellbeing is refreshingly holistic: blending visibility, compassion, and physical engagement to foster stronger, healthier social bonds.

 

At the heart of their sporting outreach is a weekly football training program run in partnership with the Leeds United Foundation. Held every Saturday morning at PowerLeague Leeds Central, these sessions are open to all fitness and skill levels, welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals and allies alike. The emphasis isn’t on competition but on connection, creating a safe, affirming space where participants can enjoy physical activity without fear of judgment. This initiative not only encourages regular exercise but also helps reduce isolation, build confidence, and nurture friendships across diverse backgrounds.

 

Complementing football is their support for badminton through a partnership with The Bad Mittens. Every Sunday, Angels of Freedom hosts beginner-friendly sessions at Armley Leisure Centre. These are designed to be accessible and unintimidating, offering a gentle introduction to sport for those who may not have felt comfortable in traditional athletic environments. The badminton sessions are particularly effective in engaging individuals who might be new to Leeds or exploring their identity, providing a relaxed setting to meet others and build community ties.

 

What makes Angels of Freedom’s sporting efforts stand out is their integration with broader social support. These activities are not standalone, they’re part of a wider ecosystem that includes monthly bar scene socials, support hubs, and Friday night street engagement in Leeds’ Freedom Quarter. Volunteers, often recognizable by their raspberry jackets and sweet-filled backpacks, offer a visible and friendly presence, bridging the gap between nightlife and wellbeing. Sporting events are promoted alongside these engagements, reinforcing the message that health and community go hand in hand.

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Importantly, Angels of Freedom also extend their sporting programs to LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum, offering travel support and a welcoming environment to participate. This inclusive ethos ensures that even the most marginalized individuals can access the benefits of physical activity and social connection.

 

By embedding sport within a framework of compassion and visibility, Angels of Freedom CIC transforms everyday activities into powerful tools for community cohesion. Their model demonstrates that when sport is stripped of elitism and infused with empathy, it becomes a catalyst for healing, belonging, and joy.

 

Whether through a kickabout on Saturday or a gentle rally on Sunday, they’re proving that movement, both physical and social, can change lives.

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