Inaugurated by Dr. Tom Waddell in 1982, the Gay Games spawned many inclusive athletic/ artistic clubs and is now the largest athletic competition in the world. The San Francisco Spikes Soccer Club was founded in ’82 to represent SF in this first of its kind, international, athletic event. The SF Spikes is the second inclusive soccer club in the country, next to the New York Ramblers. Since its inc
eption, the SF Spikes has become a 501C3 non-profit organization which is welcoming to all genders, all identities, and all skill levels. The Club has sent players to each Gay Games competition including Vancouver, New York, Amsterdam, Sydney, Chicago, Cologne, and this year in Cleveland, where one of our teams took the Gold Medal. In 2014 Spikes participated in national tournaments in Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, New York, Province Town, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. The Spikes Club is more than a group of athletes playing on a pitch. We were borne of Dr. Tom Waddell's dream of “fostering self-respect, promoting equality, participation, personal best and inclusion of every sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political belief, athletic/artistic ability, age, physical challenge, and health status.” Our mission statement captures Waddell's dream by providing athletes with "opportunities to compete in local leagues, represent San Francisco in tournaments worldwide, and play recreational soccer. We create a healthy, affordable, and supportive environment for our members to play soccer at all levels, participate in LGBTQIA+ social causes and events, build community, and have fun." More than just an athletic club, we are an all inclusive organization that supports its members and gives back to the local community. Most recently, we created an "It Gets Better" video and were the first LGBTQIA+ organization to host the Spirit of Futbol's "The Ball" which traveled from England to San Francisco to Brazil before the 2014 World Cup. Our club is funded by member dues, individual donors, and generous support from local and national businesses. We welcome new players year round. Feel free to contact us here in our page or at [email protected]. Best,
San Francisco Spikes Soccer Club
