The San Diego Armada Rugby Football Club (SDARFC) was just an idea early last year and now has grown into a competitive club with over 20 players. Starting this fall, the team will become an official member of the Southern California Rugby Football Union. Currently SDARFC plays as a provisional team competing at the Division III level.

It didn’t take long for an idea to turn into a reality. Vince Travaglione originally wanted to start a gay rugby group in San Diego and soon founded the SDARFC. Interest grew quickly and the club got off the ground.

“We started practicing and eventually started reaching out to some of the other rugby organizations in San Diego, found a coach and started getting the ball rolling,” said TJ Smith, who is responsible for sponsorships and marketing, as well as maintaining the website.

Although SDARFC has played a limited amount of games so far this season and has yet to win a game (0-4), they are learning more each time they take the field.

“This season is a building season, making sure that they learn how to play and learn how to have fun playing rugby, [and] making sure that they know fundamentals of the game, and know all the skills necessary,” said SDARFC Coach Mary Swanstrom, who also plays with the San Diego Surfers Women’s Rugby Club.

“Although we don’t have a lot of rugby experience, we have a ton of athleticism and enthusiasm on our team. There’s a good core that stays really focused and are really learning the sport,” said Swanstrom.

Smith explained once SDARFC become an official nonprofit organization they would be able to support other local organizations. They hope to support The Center, youth sports programs and other gay and lesbian youth organizations once the 501c3 paperwork is processed and complete.

“Pretty much all the money we bring in is either going to go towards the actual operation of the club itself, or is then going to be turned around to give to other organizations,” said Smith.

SDARFC has three different membership levels depending on what type of involvement a prospective player wants, ranging from full playing to supportive memberships.

“It varies depending on what type of player you want to be. We actually have some social memberships, which are primarily for people that want to come out and show their support. They want to be involved with the team but don’t necessarily want to play,” said Smith. “Then we have the other full memberships. Obviously they can practice and be involved in committees, but they can also compete and actually contribute to our team standings.”

Smith encourages anybody interested to come and check out a few of the practices the team holds each week.

“We actually recommend them coming out to practice, getting a feel for the game and people, making sure it’s a good fit and then going from there,” said Smith.

SDARFC practices Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Veterans War Memorial Building in Balboa Park. They also practice on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Robb Field in Ocean Beach. Their season started last October and will run until May, with games played on Saturdays.

The club is also part of the International Gay Rugby Association and Board (IGRAB) and will play fellow league member the Phoenix Storm on Saturday, March 12, at Robb Field.

For more information about the club or to become a member visit this article online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to SDARFC’s website.