Sydney Rangers have lift off!
It has been a long road for Sydney Rangers FC – the first gay football club in New South Wales has become their own entity and will play in the Canterbury District Soccer Football Association this season.
The club set up in 1997 from a handful of young men wanted to find a safe space and competed in the Gay Games in 2001 to now, boasting 90 players across five teams in all ages competitions.
For President Mark Robinson, it was a fitting time to become their own club in 2017 which tied in with the theme for this year’s Mardi Gras, that being “evolution”.
“It is a big stamp of approval getting accepted into the CDSFA competitions. It is also great validation of previous results in the Balmain competitions,” said Robinson.
“Through our 20 years, it has taken a long time to build results, a team while we are still looking for a permanent home. Ultimately though – we just to help be a positive force in sport, and specifically football,”
The Rangers have always promoted themselves as a socially active club.
Every time they step out in their white jersey with a light blue sash, they hope to create, promote awareness and support for fellow LGBTI and athletes.
“What I am concerned about, is the isolated player in a team, who may feel excluded. Through the Rangers, and playing in Canterbury, hopefully those players know that we are there for them, even if it’s just for a chat, not necessarily playing for the Rangers,” continued Robinson.
“I think having positive role models for younger athletes is important, creating a great legacy and hopefully showing teenagers it is okay to be an out footballer.”
For Duncan Jones, a footballer playing for the club’s ‘A’ team and having captained the undefeated premiership winning side, proving themselves on the field, is as important as the work off the pitch.
“We have 90 players at the club, which is critical mass for acceptance. It means every weekend, we represent ourselves, and bring education to the pitch.
“Hopefully we can play some good football, and change the perception of gay athletes,” said Jones.
In regards to the upcoming season, Jones is quietly confident in the success for the Rangers.
“In the A’s and B’s, we’re looking to play finals football and ideally, lift a trophy at the end of the season,”
Canterbury District Soccer Football Association CEO Ian Holmes welcomed the idea of the Sydney Rangers joining the district in 2018.
“The Association welcomes the Sydney Rangers Football Club as a stand alone entity in the Association.
“The Association has a very wide ranging, diverse, multi-cultural and tapestry of participants.
“Sydney Rangers FC has an important role within the game, to ensure the sport is inclusive and welcoming to all who wish to play the world game.
“The CDSFA Board agreed unanimously to accept the application. The club will commence the season with five teams and that provides a strong platform for the club in its inaugural year in the CDSFA.”
Gradually the Rangers have evolved from an invitational style team, participating in tournaments to critical mass, as Jones calls it of 90 players which has them fielding three all-age sides and a pair of Over 35 squads.
Changing perceptions of gay athletes is important to both Duncan and Mark through the round ball game showing that Sydney Rangers FC is inclusive to everybody and play a key role in making football a game for everyone.
“We want to start from the bottom up, making a change in the culture around football partnering with clubs and we as a club have realised that they can’t exist just as a safe space, but also, recognise their greater role as an external force for change in football,” finished Jones.
-By Justin Davies
