On the ball

Sydney Rangers Football Club coach Mark gets pretty busy just before the first game of the afternoon. Nine of the 11 in the team have turned up, one is in the change room and the last is nowhere to be seen. He juggles the positions knowing he can probably fill any gap himself. As coach he is looking for the best results he can get from the wide variety of skills available. He also knows that the team is there to have fun as much as to win. The last player arrives after the referee has blown his whistle for kick-off.

Sydney Rangers is the only gay team playing in the Sydney League. Affiliation with the Balmain and District Soccer Club allows plenty of competition and the players obviously enjoy the game and each other’s company. There is never any comment about their sexuality but then they don’t scream their gayness. Just like every other team getting ready to play, putting on pads and boots is accompanied by discussion about their opponents and their relative skills.

Mark has been coaching the Rangers for the last two years. What sort of success have they had? Overseas, in the Gay World Cup tournaments we have won a silver in Division Two in Boston, and a bronze in Division One last year at the Outgames in Montr?. Rangers currently has one eleven-a-side team and one five-a-side futsal indoor soccer team. They would certainly like more players. Mark again: It may be that people don’t think we play soccer competitively, that gay football is more for a giggle. I think we will be very competitive this year. We have recruited a few new players, good players who are nice guys as well, and that will help with the team spirit.

The players’ ages range from the low 20s to the mid-40s. Wednesday evening training sessions in Cohen Park at Gray Street in Annandale are carefully conducted to encourage all levels of ability. New players are welcome at the training sessions or at the Sunday social games. Sunday teams number between five and 10 a side depending on who turns up and games are held on top of the reservoir on the north side of Centennial Park from three o’clock. If you want to join in, just turn up and introduce yourself. It is too late for new players to participate in league games this season but training and Sunday games provide plenty of opportunity to get involved.

Sherif was a founding member in 1997 and is the president. We’re a pretty social team -“ we have a few drinks together. Rangers is a good place for beginners and experienced players. The Sunday kick-around is a good place to start. For bigger ambitions, another international event beckons. The Gay World Cup will be held later this year in Buenos Aires and the Rangers intend to be there. There is a little bit of sponsorship but players pay their own way so a high level of commitment is needed. Nevertheless, Sherif is confident of another exciting battle against international competition.

Soccer, the game that likes to be called football, has a huge international following. Most Australian boys played at school. If you are one of them, the Sydney Rangers could use your skills, however stale they might be. Get involved in this popular game and help build the number of gay players. Not only will you be part of a very enjoyable sport, you’ll meet some great team mates as well.

For more information call Sherif on 0414 364 776, visit www.sydneyrangersfc.com.au or email [email protected].