Atlanta awash in LGBT sports leagues

Atlanta’s got a full network of LGBT-friendly sports leagues and recreational groups. Whether you’re interested in swimming or softball, running or rugby, there’s a group for you. We listed some of the most popular groups below, but be sure to check out websites such as meetup.com for even more options! Many of the groups listed offer drop-in events or weekly open play that don’t require the commitment of a full season league, so you can get a feel for what options are available to you.

If you’re a Falcons fan …
Rumble with the jocks on the field in the gay-centered National Flag Football League of Atlanta that gears up each spring. Straight folks and women are welcome, too! Registration begins in January and games and events continue every week through June.
Weekly January through June 2018; registration fees TBA
www.nffla.com

If you really liked watching Matt Damon in “Invictus” …
Atlanta’s most famous boys in purple, the Atlanta Bucks, take to the pitch each spring and fall to bash it out on the field. They offer training clinics, games, bar nights and might be best known for running around town in their slinky purple dresses. Check ‘em out at Pride in October as they begin recruitment for next season.
www.atlantabucksrugby.org

If you don’t have enough 5K invites …
Atlanta Front Runners gather throughout the week and all around town year-round for group runs (and post-run meals), including the annual Pride Run each June. Runs average four to six miles and folks of all abilities, paces and short-shorts are welcome. Visitors are welcome, but membership is encouraged.
Weekly, year-round; $25
www.eteamz.com/frontrunnersatlanta

If you like strong calves …
Fulfill your leg-day dreams and go hands-free by joining Hotlanta Soccer, which competes in the Atlanta Silverbacks League and heads to tournaments across the country. All skill levels are welcome – they’re a recreational team with an emphasis on fun and skill building.
Weekly practices and games; $70
www.hotlantasoccerassociation.yolasite.com

If you want to be part of their world …
There’s more to the Rainbow Trout folks than just looking good in Speedos. They’re dedicated athletes and one of Atlanta’s most active (and friendly) sports organizations. They offer practice times every night of the week plus meets and tournaments in three different sports. All skill levels are welcome – if you can float, you can participate.
Daily practices, meets and tournaments; membership tanges from $85 – $235
www.atlantarainbowtrout.com

If your friends call you Wilson …
Hotlanta Volleyball Association offers recreational open play for beginners and advanced volleyball players weekly, plus seasonal leagues and tournaments. Everyone is welcome to bump, set and spike, regardless of orientation or gender.
Weekly open play; $5/members; $10/non-members; membership $35
Membership registration begins in September
www.hotlantavball.leagueapps.com

If you’re more into slow hands than fast pitches …
The Hotlanta Softball League takes to the field each spring and fall and is one of Atlanta’s largest LGBT sports organizations with hundreds of members and 35 teams, each designed to accommodate all skill levels. Registration for the fall season is set to begin soon.
Spring and fall leagues; $450 per team
www.hotlantasoftball.org

If you want to pull double duty and help our four-legged, furry friends while enjoying a great game of softball, check out the Softpaw Softball League. These slow-pitch games place an emphasis on having fun and doing good in the community and are open to all genders and orientations. Registration for the fall league will begin over the summer.
Spring and fall leagues, $50/player or $325/team
www.southernsoftpaw.com

If you identify as a lady …
These women-only leagues offer fun and competitive play in softball, basketball, volleyball and indoor soccer geared toward all skill levels. Most sports take place in the spring and early summer, but registration for beginner’s basketball is open now.
Beginner’s basketball: Thursday nights through the summer; $65
www.decaturwomenssports.com

If you just bought your 18th pair of Chacos …
Atlanta’s Gay and Lesbian Outdoors (AGLO) welcomes participants of all ages, genders and backgrounds to enjoy the great outdoors together. Join them for hikes, picnics and even cardio exercise around town.
Ongoing events; $1.50/year
www.meetup.com/Atlantas-Gay-Lesbian-Outdoors

The Women’s Outdoor Network offers weekly afternoon walks, hikes and more.
Membership: $15
www.meetup.com/wonatlanta

Wilderness Network for Georgia offers a variety of outdoor experiences including canoeing, biking, hiking, camping and more for the brawny (and not-so-brawny) men around town.
Membership: $20
www.meetup.com/wildnetga

If you’re into clubbing …
Teed Up – Womyn Golfing invites lesbian and bi women to join them for regular golf events all summer long, whether you’re a pro or just getting started.
Ongoing events; Per-event costs
www.meetup.com/Teed-Up-Womyn-Golfing

If you prefer to play around a table …
Gaymers of all stripes gather together on the last Saturday of every month for board games, card games, trivia, and a potluck meal at the Rush Center.
Monthly/ongoing; $5 donation requested
www.meetup.com/GayGamers