The young players of Gijón Femenino’s benjamín and alevín futsal teams, consisting of girls aged 10 and 11, face a distressing situation every time they step onto the court. Over recent weekends, three of their players have been subjected to a barrage of sexist and transphobic slurs, including remarks like “That’s a boy,” “You’ve got balls,” or “What a tomboy.” These hurtful comments have come from some parents and coaching staff of opposing teams, overshadowing the girls’ enjoyment of the sport they love. In response, the Asturian club released an official statement last Sunday condemning the “ongoing disrespectful behavior from certain individuals associated with other clubs.”
Harassment began a month ago.
The harassment began a month ago. The club explained that the attacks seem to stem from the girls’ appearance, which some opponents feel doesn’t conform to traditional stereotypes of femininity. Xosé Fernández Estrada, the club’s secretary, described the situation as stemming from a baseless rumor that some of the players were boys. Which has spiraled into “unacceptable circumstances that no child should ever have to endure.” Speaking to La Voz de Asturias, he expressed his disbelief at the situation, noting that the pattern of abuse has persisted across multiple matches with different teams, making it all the more alarming.
Fernández Estrada emphasized that the insults are not only widespread but also deeply personal, targeting the girls’ physical appearance and development. He revealed that during a recent match, an opposing coach even suggested stopping the game, claiming that Gijón Femenino was fielding boys. “This has to stop,” he insisted, calling for decisive action from all clubs to address the behavior of their staff and supporters. “If we don’t act firmly, we risk causing lasting harm to these children,” he added.
Despite earlier efforts
Despite earlier efforts to address the issue, including internal communications to rival clubs and referees intervening during matches, the abuse has continued. Last Saturday, during a game against Villa de Tineo Futsal, the three girls—born in 2014 and 2015—were once again targeted with derogatory remarks about their appearance. The club reiterated that such comments violate the girls’ rights and undermine their ability to enjoy the sport in a safe and supportive environment.
In response, Gijón Femenino has taken a strong stance. Warning that if similar incidents occur in future matches, the team will immediately leave the court and report the matter to the authorities. The club emphasized that youth futsal should be a space for learning and enjoyment, not hostility. They also expressed their dismay that, in the 21st century, young girls are still being judged based on outdated gender stereotypes. “We are considering legal action to protect our players, who deserve respect and a safe environment to play the sport they love,” the club stated.
Asturian Football Federation
The Asturian Football Federation and the regional Department of Sports have backed Gijón Femenino, issuing a strong condemnation of the incidents and initiating disciplinary proceedings against the teams involved. José Ramón Cuetos Lobo, president of the federation, called the behavior “a disgrace” and vowed to pursue all available legal measures to address the issue. “These are young children playing in a category where football should be about fun and development, not discrimination,” he said.
The situation has also drawn attention from local politicians. Gijón’s mayor, Carmen Moriyón, expressed her solidarity with the players, emphasizing the city’s commitment to equality in all areas, including sports. Meanwhile, Noelia Ordieres, a councilor for IU in Gijón, stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for young athletes, free from discrimination and harassment.
The Council of Women’s Associations of Gijón has also voiced its support for the affected players, calling for strong measures to address the issue. They highlighted the troubling fact that some of the insults have come from adults within the sport, including coaching staff. “Gender stereotypes should never dictate who can participate in sports or how they should look,” the council stated, urging sports institutions and authorities to take decisive action to eliminate discrimination and violence in the sporting world. “We stand with Gijón Femenino in their call for a futsal environment free from prejudice, where all girls can play with dignity and peace,” they concluded.
