Glasgow Raptors was founded as a home for LGBTQ+ people who want to play rugby. The club is inclusive and welcoming of everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, age, or level of experience.
Glasgow Raptors are thrilled to have their annual ‘Introduction to rugby’ bootcamp back for another year as part of LEAP Sports Festival Fortnight where they take you through the basics over eight weeks - building confidence and skills, plus the opportunity to meet new people and have fun!
Marc Wood (he/him), Vice Chair of Glasgow Raptors has been part of the club for five years, he said:
“There's a common experience amongst queer people that sport isn't for them and we want to provide the space to show them that it is. It's something they can enjoy, come along and try, and you never know they could even become really good!”
He added: “Rugby is one of the few sports that I would say it doesn't matter your shape, size or height, there's a position on the pitch that is made for you which is one of the best things about rugby.”
The bootcamp takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30-8pm from 3 June to 24 July at Queens Park Recreation Ground. No experience of rugby is required, and the sessions are open to all ages, genders and identities, fostering a space that is open to all.
Munro Stevenson (he/him), Participation and Engagement Manager at LEAP Sports Scotland said:
“Glasgow Raptors have been involved in Festival Fortnight for about eight years, and the club use the bootcamp as an opportunity to open their doors to the wider community. Over the years they’ve got hundreds of people physically active and into rugby through using this introduction programme to ease people into the sport and build it up which results in new members ready to start the new season.”
A safe space in team sports
Charlie (he/him) joined Glasgow Raptors three years ago and attended last year’s bootcamp. He had played women’s rugby growing up and after COVID he wanted to get back into sport. He said:
“I found a team that accepted me as a man so that’s how I got into it. The social element of Raptors and rugby is such a welcoming and wholesome space and it’s really done wonders for my mental health. If you don’t fall in love with rugby, you’ll fall in love with the people.”
The Glasgow Raptors are partnered with LEAP Sports Scotland, who work to break down barriers that prevent LGBTIQ+ individuals from accessing and excelling in Scottish sports.
The Glasgow Raptors have a men's and women's rugby union team, as well as a mixed-gender touch team. The club meets for training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Clydebank Community sports hub (60 Dean Street), with activities ranging from cardio workouts to full-contact matches.
Ollie (he/him) joined Glasgow Raptors last year after attending the introduction to rugby bootcamp. He said:
“I've always wanted to be involved in a sport, but it is quite daunting joining a male dominated sport being LGBT, so what attracted me most about the Raptors is I can just be who I am with people that are the same as me.”
In April 2023, the club introduced a women's rugby union team under the Glasgow Raptors family with an aim to ensure that rugby is accessible and to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ women to engage with the sport.
At the same time as introducing the women's rugby union team, the club also introduced a mixed-gender touch team to make sure that all gender identities can enjoy the sport.
Reflecting on what the club means to people and the community, Marc said:
“Seeing the confidence that being part of the club builds in people is the best. Some people come in and they're quite anxious about sport or maybe being around other queer people if they don't have queer friends, then seeing players flourish in the sport as people, you see them grow more confident in themselves, and you see that translated on the pitch”.
About LEAP Sports Festival Fortnight
Festival Fortnight takes place every year from 14-30 of June with something for everyone, including an exciting mix of sporting, recreational and cultural events and activities.
The Festival aims to increase the visibility and participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people in Scottish sport but everyone is welcome to join in, whether it’s trying out a new sport, supporting a team in one of the competitions, or celebrating at one of the Festival parties.
Munro said: “There’s such a broad range of events and activities to get involved in and the benefits can range from getting physically active which can improve your mental health and wellbeing, to connecting with others, or just getting to know what sport is out there for you that you might not have thought about before.”
This year, LEAP Sports are also encouraging clubs, groups and organisations to run events as fundraisers, raising much needed funds for all LEAP's work. This includes supporting members of the community who suffer with poor mental health, working with refugees, developing new grassroots clubs, and providing sport opportunities for LGBTIQ+ youth.
Munro added:
“Glasgow Raptors have also been running their own drag night as a fundraiser for the club and it's part of Festival Fortnight. It's a great show, so if you're not looking for something particularly sporty and fancy more of a night out to engage with the club and what they do, I'd highly recommend it.”
