Proud to be a Dublin Devil
It is amazing to be a part of this team.
I was at home one Sunday in 2005 when my housemate told me that Pride Sports Day was on in the Phoenix Park and asked did I want to go? At that time, I was quite happy with my feet up watching the telly, and a trip to the park wasn't on my agenda. Nevertheless my housemate was a persistent kind of guy and he dragged me along anyway.
Out there, I met some guys who had just established a football club and were calling themselves 'Men United'. Mark, the club founder, had just come back from the UK where quite a lot of football clubs had been set up in local gay communities in London and Brighton. When he returned to Ireland however, he realised that there was none in Dublin.
The gay scene here was ready to diversify away from just a few pubs and clubs, and new sporting groups were coming together in all sorts of different disciplines like rugby, athletics and tennis. Men United soon became Dublin Devils FC. We've been kicking footballs around on a weekly basis ever since.
We play in a league every year and travel abroad to take part in tournaments like the Gay Games, which is coming up in Cologne in August 2010. We've been to Chicago, Buenos Aires, Washington DC, London and Manchester amongst a few other places.
The club ethos is to promote the game within the gay community and to provide an alternative place from the usual pub scene. Everyone is welcome to come along; regardless of ability, age, sexuality or experience. We're always happy to see new members come along and take part.
I've been involved now for five years. I get great exercise and I've met some great people at the club. I've had quite a few fun nights out and trips abroad too.
Needless to say, I'm thankful to my persistent housemate for dragging me out of the house that Sunday five years ago.
By: Bill O'Rourke
The Dublin Devils FC is a gay, non-profit social football team based in Dublin, Ireland. They play both competitive and social games catering to all levels of play. The Dublin Devils FC also actively campaigns on LGBT issues such as equal rights and homophobia in football.
Further Information:
www.dublindevilsfc.com
Dublin Devils FC on Facebook
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