Inclusivity for LGBTQ+ community in sports steps forward as Inverness rugby club teams up with LEAP sports

An Inverness rugby team has partnered with a Scotland-wide initiative promoting inclusion for LGBTQ+ people in sport.

Inverness Craig Dunain RFC have joined forces with LEAP Sports in a bid to raise their profile as a welcoming club, which will see the club added to LEAP Sports' online map as well as opening up collaborations with other clubs.

An organization that work for greater inclusion for LGBTQ+ people in sport, LEAP Sports aim to break down the structural, social and personal barriers preventing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people across the country from accessing, participating and excelling in sports.

The new partnership stemmed from last year's Highland Pride event in Inverness

Club co-treasurer Maureen McDonald said: "We are very excited to announce that we have partnered with LEAP Sports Scotland.

"ICD want to ensure all barriers to participation in rugby – real or perceived – are removed. This is particularly the case for groups currently underrepresented in our game. And for those who traditionally may not have seen rugby as their sport of choice.

"As a team, we pride ourselves in providing a safe space for individuals that want to give rugby a try (pun intended) and with our new partnership with LEAP Sports, we hope to continue to grow our inclusive culture."

LEAP sports is a charity working across Scotland for greater inclusion for LGBTQ+ people and supporting existing and emerging clubs through training, promotion and guidance.

ICD is the fifth club in the Highland capital to join the initiative, now featuring on the map alongside Inverness Bike Polo, FitSteps with Logan, Ness City Rollers and Inverness Disc Golf Club.

The Highland Yoga Collective in Nairn and Out on the Hills – part of LGBTQ+ Hillwalking Group Scotland – in Aviemore are also among the Highland contingent which has teamed up with LEAP Sports.

Graham Munro from LEAP sports said: "We have been running the Out & About in the Highlands project since 2022 and we have been working hard to build connections with clubs and groups in the highlands, so it's always exciting to see a new club, group or sports provider join LEAP Sports Scotland's club page.

"Inverness Craig Dunain RFC are a very warm and welcoming group and other local groups could learn a lot from them. We would welcome any club looking to join our club page and support our projects reach across the highlands, just be welcoming to everyone who has an interest in what your club or group is offering."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.