For the month of July, our Club Focus series is back as we showcase the great work being done in the community by Rainbow Rexes Lacrosse Club.
Founded six years ago in 2018, Rainbow Rexes Lacrosse Club is the world’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive lacrosse club for players of all abilities and all identities.
Initially starting with just one men’s rules team, the club has expanded to include a women’s rules team and a mixed rules team that play at a variety of levels from beginner right through to highly experienced and the club continues to grow each year.
Founder Ed Connolly says that Rainbow Rexes Lacrosse Club was created for three principal reasons:
“The first was to make a space that was safe for LGBTQ+ athletes to play lacrosse whether they were veterans of the sport or beginners just finding it for the first time; the second was to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in sport so that was from the highest level of the governing bodies down to the grassroots clubs; and the third was to make a really fun and competitive team structure that competed at the highest levels of lacrosse down to grassroots so that everyone can get a stick in their hand.”
Despite being the world’s and UK’s first inclusive lacrosse club, Rainbow Rexes are not the only LGBTQ+ sports club in the world, something which Connolly thinks is a hugely positive thing for his club.
“There is a network of incredible clubs globally that regularly inspire us or that we look to for inspiration when we’re trying to champion our cause. We’re also not the only social justice lacrosse club in the world - there are other amazing initiatives that are seeking to improve equity in lacrosse just as we are.”
What makes them stand out from the rest, however, is, as Connolly puts it, Rainbow Rexes’ “balance between fun and excellence in lacrosse”.
“By that, we mean we all want to go out first and foremost to have a smile on our faces and really enjoy being on the pitch with our team-mates: those could be people you’ve only just met through to dear friends you’ve made along the way with us.
“By excellence, we also mean, whether you’re a beginner catching your first ball or you’re a veteran who’s going to score that golden goal, we want you to play at the highest possible standard that you feel comfortable at and that you’re able to perform. We want you to play lacrosse the Rainbow way!”
Rainbow Rexes don’t play a traditional season structure like many of the clubs around the country as they usually play at tournaments throughout the year as well as the occasional friendly with other teams across their men’s, women’s, and mixed rules teams.
Men’s rules team captain Ollie Briggs sees this as an advantage for the team.
“Playing at tournaments or friendlies throughout the year can be quite advantageous for some of our members because it means they can play for a more traditional club during the regular season and then come and play for us at tournaments or one of these friendlies.”
As Connolly was keen to point out, Rainbow Rexes welcome people of all abilities to tournaments and friendlies, whether they’re complete beginners or seasoned veterans, with Brakes saying it’s all about mindset when it comes to playing for his club.
“All we ask is that people come in with the right mindset and they’re happy to encourage the safe space that we create for our team members.
“Because we only play at tournaments, we don’t have a traditional training schedule but we do run training camps around once a year in the summer that’s a big all day thing playing lots of lacrosse that’s usually followed by an inclusive social.”
Rainbow Rexes try to host socials on an ad hoc basis throughout the year that are always as inclusive as possible and a variety of activities are organised ranging from, amongst other things, fun days in the park, nights out, and watching lacrosse as a group.
Women’s rules team player Lizzie Bottrill said that joining Rainbow Rexes helped her through a really difficult time.
“I remember when I reached out to the club on Instagram and I had just come out and, because a lot of my community before had been quite religious, I lost a lot of that community when I came out.
“Knowing there was this lacrosse team, because I always loved lacrosse, that was not just an open and safe space but also a space that really celebrated that and queerness and the diversity of different sexual identities and gender was amazing.
“For me finding it, even though I’ve only played a few times, was really healing. So I think it’s really important that it exists.”
Natasha Gage, Rainbow Rexes mixed rules team captain, said the club has allowed her to be her authentic self.
“I joined the club about two years ago when I saw the Rexes play in a tournament. I really wanted to play with them and I think the Rexes is one of the first teams I’ve played for where I can properly be myself and not have to worry about hiding or saying the wrong thing. I can play, have fun and that’s why I love playing with them.”
Rainbow Rexes Club Manager Amy Bowen says the club is the perfect mix of fun and social justice.
“What’s super cool about the Rexes is we’re such a visibly queer and fun and talented team. We don’t have trials or anything but we’re just here to have a great time, play some great lacrosse and also engage with other lacrosse players bringing up conversations about being LGBTQ+ in sport.
“It’s really amazing to have this community where you can engage with other people, with allies, with other members of the community and provide support for them while also campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights in sport alongside that.”
If you want to get involved with Rainbow Rexes, they can be contacted through Instagram HERE or their website HERE.