Canal Street Online Manchester

Another LGBT first

Another LGBT first

The First UK & (Probably World's First) LGBT Amateur Rugby League Club has recently launched in Manchester.
Already the home of the successful Rugby Union team The Village Spartans,Manchester continues to push traditional boundaries and form new groups and teams.
The Canalsiders have plans in place for the 2013 season dedicated to developing skills and training programmes and building up a team of supporters through try-it sessions, training and fundraising.

"We all love the fast pace and excitement of the game and were inspired by the work the RFL and the clubs have done around LGBT inclusion to set up the first LGBT Rugby League club," said Manchester Canalsiders Chairman Martin Owens.

"We hope that the Manchester Canalsiders will help raise the profile of the sport among the LGBT communities and that more gay and trans people will take part in this fantastic sport as players, coaches, volunteers and supporters."

UK’s First LGBT Rugby League Club Launch Partnership with the Salford City Reds Foundation

The Manchester Canalsiders are delighted to announce a new partnership with the Salford City Reds Foundation. The team will be the UK’s first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Rugby League Club in what marks an exciting day for the sport in the North West.  With the objective of supporting the LGBT sporting community, the Manchester Canalsiders have outlined their ambition to establish full male and female teams alongside a mixed touch rugby team.
 The squad have a full program of activities planned for 2013 and supported by the Salford City Reds Foundation and Rugby Football League aim to be match ready when the 2014 season dawns. The Salford City Reds Foundation will share their expertise, providing the new team with welcomed support while encouraging and developing community spirit within the Sporting LGBT community and beyond.
Martin Owens, Chair of Manchester Canalsiders, said: “We hope that the Canalsiders will help raise the profile of our sport among the LGBT communities and that more people will take part in this fantastic sport as players, coaches, volunteers and supporters. Working in partnership with the Salford City Reds Foundation will not only help us to do this with us both sharing assets, expertise and insight, but it’s also fantastic to have the opportunity to work with an organisation with such a rich heritage in the sport.”

Building upon strong traditions for Community investment, Salford City Reds Foundation are equally delighted to be playing a prominent role in Manchester’s newest sports club. 
Andy Connaughton, Manchester Development Officer for the Salford City Reds Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this new and exciting sports club. There is an opportunity here to bring Rugby League to an engaged audience and we feel privileged to be able to support the team.”
The opportunity to support the Canalsiders will see Salford City Reds getting involved in many aspects of the new clubs development, from providing access to pitches, equipment and kit to running training sessions and enrolling volunteers on certified coaching courses.
 The Canalsiders will be officially launching their club from the pitch at the Salford City Reds Stadium later this month, with a day of press and awareness events scheduled to coincide both the home match against Hull KR as well as the ending of International LGBT Awareness Month.
 The partnership has been met with admiration from the sports governing body, with RFL Equality and Diversity Manager Sarah Williams saying, “The RFL is delighted to support the Manchester Canalsiders in providing a unique opportunity for LGBT people to get involved in our sport. We hope that the club will go from strength to strength and that their work contributes to the RFLs commitment to ensure our game is truly inclusive and welcoming to all.” 
 If you would like to get involved with and support the Manchester Canalsiders follow on Twitter @MCRCanalsiders Facebook www.facebook.com/MCRCanalsiders or email at info@canalsiders.co.uk

Additionally, for more information on the work SCR Foundation do to promote rugby league in the Manchester area please contact Andy at SCRF via andy.connaughton@reds.co.uk 


Information is available across all social media. Facebook. 

Also Twitter

Published: 14-Feb-2013: (1752)

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