By Denny Patterson
Joining a sports team comes with numerous benefits. Not only will it increase and improve your overall fitness, but it will help your emotional state of mind. It simply feels great to be a part of a team. Making new friends and having a sense of community is something we all strive for. Fortunately, sports are no longer viewed as a “straight world activity.” More and more cities across the country are creating sporting leagues and activities for their LGBTQ communities. Listed below are some of the several LGBTQ teams you can find right here in the heart of South Florida.
Gay Polo League
The Gay Polo League (GPL) promotes the sport of polo as a means to provide equality, pride, inclusion, and confidence for individuals who face discrimination simply due to the fact that they are members of the LGBTQ community. In addition to promoting goodwill and camaraderie, the GPL works to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of individuals, regardless of race, sex, or sexual identity. This is a community that shares a love for adventure, fun, and the challenging sport of polo and is committed to providing members with an enjoyable, supportive, and competitive experience. The GPL represents a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and skill levels and they actively train and compete in mainstream matches and events. For more information, visit www.GayPolo.com.
Gay Kickball Fort Lauderdale
The National Gay Kickball League prides itself in creating a fun, competitive, and organized experience for all plays of every skill level. Founded in 2017, this organization has already expanded to 14 cities across the country, including Fort Lauderdale. Welcoming of all genders and sexual orientations, the National Gay Kickball League’s mission is for players to be in a safe, judgment free zone. Just be yourself. There will be four annual national tournaments. For more information, visit www.GayKickball.com.
Hammerhead Aquatics and Nadadores Swim Team
It does not matter if you are gay, straight, young, old, male, female, experienced tri-athlete, or just beginning – South Florida has two swim teams for you to check out. Hammerhead Aquatics in Fort Lauderdale and the Nadadores Swim Team in Miami. Hammerhead Aquatics began in 2004 with only five initial members. Now, it has grown to over 100 full time members. Under the direction of founder and head coach John Grzeszczak, the Hammerhead’s Masters Swim Team competes at the highest level and has won seven International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics World Championships. The Nadadores has coached practices, beginning and intermediate lessons, ocean open swims, and meet support. They do it all, and they have a blast while doing it. Coach led pool practices are held three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday), and swimming lessons are held every Saturday. On Sunday, the Nadadores offers a sponsored ocean swim. If you are new to South Florida or just passing through, you should still come and meet some amazing people. They welcome short term visitors to join in as their guests, and your first three practices are free. For more information, visit www.HammerheadAqautics.com and www.NadadoresSwimTeam.org.
Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale
Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale is a group of people who enjoy running and walking. This group creates a positive atmosphere through planned activities where members of the LGBTQ community can be themselves. Formed in 1989, Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale encourages members to set their own pace. Different exercise routes are available depending upon your availability. In addition, other activities include special runs, monthly socials, recreational activities, weekend trips, and exclusive members-only events. If you cannot participate in a run or walk, join the group afterwards for a bite to eat. This group also schedules at least one social event a month. For more information, visit www.FrontRunnersFortLauderdale.org.
South Florida Flag Football League
The South Florida Flag Football League (SFFFL), and members on the National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL) and the International Women’s Flag Football Association (IWFFA), has grown from a handful of individuals tossing a ball around in 2007 to a league with over 100 active members and several national touring teams. Through the promotion of diversity, inclusion, competition, and friendship, this group has built a family of footballers from the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas.
As an LGBTQ organization, they encourage players of all skill levels to participate, while also testing their elite athletes on the national stage. The SFFFL strives to put on a competitive, but fun league that stresses camaraderie and personal growth. Your skills, shape, and size does not matter. All are welcomed, so don’t be shy. For more information, visit www.SFFFL.org.
South Florida Tennis Club
The South Florida Tennis Club (SFTC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to develop and coordinate tennis activities for the South Florida LGBTQ community and friends. Dedicated to supporting competitive and social tennis activities, membership is open to players of all skill levels. The offer a competitive spring and fall Tennis Ladder for singles and doubles, team tennis, tennis socials, regional tournaments, and two annual Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) sanctioned tennis tournaments. The SFTC also contributes to charities within the South Florida community each year. There is no shortage of events to participate in, and even if you are not playing, all are welcomed to come out and watch. For more information, visit www.SFTC.us.
F.L.I.R.T. Bowling
F.L.I.R.T. is affiliated with the International Gay Bowling Organization and is a LGBTQ and invitational bowling tournament that welcomes all bowlers. Held on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, F.L.I.R.T. has sold out for 12 consecutive years, so it is best to register by November to secure a spot. $500 is guaranteed to all first-place finishers, and you may register as a single bowler, a partial, or a full team. For more information, visit www.FlirtBowl.com.
Gay Dodgeball Fort Lauderdale
Dodgeball is the ultimate high energy, action packed competitive sport. The gay dodgeball league in Fort Lauderdale falls under the Varsity Gay League (VGL) umbrella, and their mission is to bring people together with a fun of the sport. The team has three seasons: Spring (February-May), Summer (June-Aug), and Fall (September-November). Each season runs eight weeks, with six weeks of play and two weeks of playoffs. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience. This is a great group with which to socialize. For more information, visit www.VarsityGayLeague.com.
South Florida Amateur Athletic Association for Softball
The South Florida Amateur Athletic Association (SFAAA) is a LGBTQ softball league located in Fort Lauderdale that is committed to providing an opportunity for gay and non-gay participants to compete in an environment welcoming and open to the gay community. Founded in 1994 as the South Florida Softball League, this organization has emerged as the premier softball league for gay and lesbian athletes with over 25 teams and almost 400 members. Annually, there are two seasons, late February and the beginning of September.
A draft and tryout clinic is held prior to each season to help new members find teams on which to play. Four competitive levels afford the opportunity for anyone to play, regardless of athletic ability or skill level. The SFAAA also puts on the annual Hurricane Showdown which draws hundreds of LGBTQ softball players to Fort Lauderdale over Thanksgiving weekend. For more information, visit www.SFAAASoftball.com.
Oakland Park Pickleball Team
Combining the elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, the Oakland Park Pickleball Team welcomes all people. It does not matter what your sexual orientation or skill level, if you want to play, you better come and join this team. They meet at the Collins Community Center on NE 3 Ave in Oakland Park every Saturday at 9:00AM and Wednesday evenings at 6:00PM. Their sole mission is to have fun, make new friends, and be merry.
