Melbourne’s first gay soccer team, Melbourne Rovers Soccer Club has been formed and is calling for members. The club is the second gay soccer group in Australia, following in the footsteps of the Sydney Rangers FC.

Founder John Player was a member of the Sydney club before moving south, and is keen to put the word out there.

“We are looking for anyone! It’s a social thing so it’s all about fun and meeting new people and creating a whole new circle. It will be social every Sunday until we find interest in playing in a competition,” he told bnews.

The Melbourne Rovers SC is a predominantly gay club but everyone is welcome. All skill levels are urged to come along and join.  The team is currently seeking a regular field on which to practice and play.

Player said he hoped to build up the team’s numbers and commitment to a point where they could play grudge matches against the Sydney Rangers twice a year, once in Sydney and once in Melbourne, with the winner taking bragging rights. Looking forward, Player said the club’s goal is to field a team at both the second World Outgames in Copenhagen in 2009 as well as the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne.

The club is sponsored by Eagle Leather, and the company will host the Rovers’ first meeting of the Rovers at its Abbotsford premises on Tuesday, June 3 at 7.30pm. This meeting will allow Player to gauge potential numbers, opinions on the club’s direction, membership details, recruit committee members, and set a date for the first social kick around.

For more information contact John Player, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 0423 050 472.

by CATHY ANDERSON