Queer Sports Leagues in Manchester

Manchester Lynx is an LGBTQ+ inclusive women’s basketball club founded in 2008 . It provides a “safe space for women from the LGBTQIA+ community to play basketball”, fielding both social and competitive teams in the Manchester Area Basketball League .

Gay City Bowlers is the first and only UK-wide LGBTQ+ ten-pin bowling club . It operates social bowling events in multiple cities, including Manchester, providing a fun, inclusive community for LGBTQ+ bowlers and allies in a nightlife setting .

Rainbow Riders is a Manchester-based LGBTQ+ cycling club focused on inclusivity and community . The club welcomes riders of any sexuality, gender identity, race, age or ability for social rides and adventures, aiming to promote cycling and friendship in a supportive atmosphere .

The Inclusive Football Collective (formerly known as The AF League) runs a casual small-sided league in Manchester for women, non-binary and transgender players . It is explicitly LGBT+ friendly, aiming to provide a “fun, friendly and safe environment” for people of all abilities to learn and play football .

Village Manchester Football Club is a gay and inclusive club that welcomes anyone who loves football, regardless of sexual orientation or gender . Founded in 1996, it is one of the world’s oldest inclusive football clubs, fielding five teams in local and national leagues, including the national Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN) competitions .

GHAP (Gay Healthy And Proud) Badminton Club is the UK’s original and largest LGBTQ+ badminton club, founded in Manchester in 2003 . It welcomes all players, from beginners to seasoned competitors, and hosts regular session and tournaments as an LGBTQ+ friendly sports group .

Manchester Sharks is the UK’s largest dedicated LGBTQ+ water polo club, founded in 2007. It is the first LGBT water polo club in the North of England and describes itself as "friendly and inclusive," welcoming players of all abilities to its sessions .

Northern Cocks is an LGBT+ badminton club in Manchester describing itself as "the city’s friendliest and most inclusive" badminton club . Founded in 2013 and officially established from 2019, it welcomes players of all genders, sexualities and abilities, emphasizing a fun, social atmosphere for the entire rainbow community .

Since 1999, Manchester Village Spartans Rugby Union Football Club has been an openly gay-inclusive rugby club in Manchester, "lowering barriers and challenging stereotypes" in the sport . The club welcomes players of all genders, sexualities, ethnicities and abilities, whether experienced or complete newbie, including both Union and Touch variants of rugby .

Manchester Frontrunners is a dedicated LGBTQ+ running club (part of the international Front Runners network) founded in 2005 . It is open to anyone regardless of age, gender, sexuality or running ability, serving as both a social and training community for runners in the Manchester area .

Northern Wave is a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender swimming club based in Manchester . While sessions are led by an experienced coaching team, it also provides non-coached lanes for any LGBT+ or ally members who wish to swim at their own pace; the club welcomes LGBT+ swimmers and their friends for fitness and technique sessions .

Northern Aces is Manchester’s first LGBTQI+ tennis club, based at the Manchester Tennis and Football Centre (Sports City) and affiliated to the Lawn Tennis Association . It is an open and inclusive club intended to get people on court and enjoying tennis regardless of ability, gender or sexuality .