Welcome to the inaugural column of all things athletic! Every other week, PGN will publish photos of recent significant moments in the Philly LGBT athletic community and tell you about upcoming games, tournaments, fundraisers, season openings and other sports moments.
Later in the seasons, we’ll include league and organization standings, when appropriate. Considering the labor of love it has been to ramp up our sports coverage, PGN is excited to showcase local teams, athletes and their supporters.
Openings
March 17 was a fantastic day for outdoor sports enthusiasts. In addition so the Philadelphia Gryphons rugby club trouncing the Boston Ironsides in the season home opener (see photo), the City of Brotherly Love Softball League held its annual Skills Day at Palumbo Field in South Philly. This year, about 100 potential new players showed up to run, throw, catch and swing their way into CBLSL rosters. The softball season opener is April 22 with the ceremonial opening season pitch scheduled for noon.
Also in South Philly, the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League held its first open play of the year at Columbus Square Playground. If you’re interested in playing this year, you need to step it up: Open play and skills day is March 24 starting 11 a.m. and registration closes at 1 p.m., with the draft starting at 2 p.m. And, if you need to replace your old Phillies jersey, hat or other paraphernalia, GPFFL has teamed up with Modell’s for a discount/fundraiser partnership. Go to the GPFFL website at www.phillyflagfootball.com for a 15-percent-off coupon; Modell’s will donate 5 percent of purchases made with the coupon to the league. The GPFFL season opener is March 31.
Net gains
If you prefer more one-on-one or two-on-two games, the Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association is accepting new and renewal memberships for the 2012-13 tennis season. Local players battle it out on the courts in FDR Park every Saturday and Sunday beginning the first weekend in May. And in July, the PLTA will host the first Philadelphia Open Tennis Tournament. For more information, check out the FAQ on the new website, www.philadelphialibertytennis.com.
Next month
The Philadelphia Liberty Belles women’s tackle football kicks off its season on the road April 14, followed by a home opener against the Boston Militia April 21 at Northeast High School’s Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium, Bleigh and Glendale avenues. These are some of the toughest women in sports; sign up for open tryouts at www.phillybelles.com.
Beginning April 14, the Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club heads outdoors to play every Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon at Edgely Field in Fairmount Park.
And finally, with the nice spring temps, runners may want to join the Frontrunners at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Lloyd Hall on Boathouse Row.
Until next time, get out and play!
To submit information for Get Out and Play, email [email protected].