Help Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club

Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club

New York, New York

Cause Description:
The Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club is New York City’s primarily gay rugby team. The mission of the Gotham Knights RFC is to increase diversity within the sport of rugby football, refute negative stereotypes, create a welcoming and encouraging learning environment for new ruggers, and to create a competitive team on both local and national levels.

Gotham was founded in 2001, when Mark Bingham, part-time New York City business owner and resident, met with local rugby player, Scott Glaessgen, to form a gay-oriented team. Unfortunately, their plans were cut short on September 11th, 2001, when Mark was lost in United Airlines Flight 93 over rural Pennsylvania. Mark Bingham has since been recognized as instrumental in the heroism of Flight 93. Mark’s life, work, and dedication to rugby inspired Scott and others to establish the Gotham Knights in late 2001.

Now entering its seventh year, the Gotham Knights RFC is first and foremost a competitive rugby team, having placed second in the fall 2007 season of USA Rugby's Metropolitan Men's Division III competition, and, at the 2008 Bingham Cup in Dublin, Ireland (the "World Cup" for worldwide gay rugby teams), earning first place among all US teams and third place overall, with Sydney, Australia in first place and London, England in second place. In addition, Gotham provides a healthy, active alternative to gay nightclubs, builds community and character through the sport of rugby and helps bring visitors to New York City.

However, as Gotham’s activities and achievements multiply, so do the team’s expenses. These expenses include recruitment advertisements, field permits, training equipment, lighting for practices and games, and travel for regional and international competitions. Your support is crucial for allowing Gotham to continue shattering stereotypes through the pursuit of competitive excellence.

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