The LYC Chargers lgbti and inclusive touch rugby team has qualified for tonight’s semi-finals of a top level Auckland competition, and would love people to head along and show their support. The team are in the semis of the Victoria Park A Grade competition – and will play at 7pm at Field 2 at Victoria Park. “As far as we are aware this is the first time ever a lgbti team has ever achieved this feat, actually as far as we are aware this is the first lgbti team to ever contest a touch rugby competition in Aotearoa, let alone an A grade semi-final,” says club captain Dion Hosking. “How appropriate also that it is pride month.” Hosking says it’s much more than a sports team. “The whanaungatanga and community spirit in this team is like nothing I have ever experienced before in the many sports teams I have played in and for. “The girls in this team are so talented and help keep the lads in check, we draw from a huge cross section of the community, ethnicities and socio economic backgrounds. “The team come from all backgrounds, unemployed, students to professionals. Our youngest members being 17 and the current oldest member is in his early 40s, in previous seasons we have had players well into their 50s.” Hosking believes the fact age and skill level are irrelevant has contributed to the success of the team. “We have come up against discrimination at times but fortunately it has been far outweighed by the positive reactions from the competition organisers and majority of the teams we play. Our results speak for themselves and I'm so proud of the guys and girls for making it to where they are now, all due to hard work and supporting each other.” The Chargers are also struggling with funding to keep the team together. They have recently been helped with a donation from the bear community, and Hosking and the team manager have even dug into their own pockets to make sure people who can’t afford the fees. Anyone who can help with donations or sponsorship can email dhosking23a@gmail.com The team is also looking for more women who want to play.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 23rd February 2015 - 2:26pm