Inclusive rugby club celebrates 10th birthday
BBCA Sussex rugby club that prides itself on "inclusion" and "family" has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a graduation match for new recruits.
Brighton and Hove Sea Serpents RFC was founded in 2015 to give gay, bisexual and transgender men the chance to enjoy rugby in a non-judgemental environment.
The club's latest recruits recently stepped onto the pitch for their graduation game, an event its vice chair said was made possible by "having so many members" after 10 successful years.
Ricky Braiden told BBC Radio Sussex: "We bring people from the community who probably weren't keen on sport when they were younger, and we give them that nice, comforting environment."
Mr Braiden, who has been involved in inclusive rugby for about 15 years, says the graduation match at Hove Recreation Ground is "always quite a big thing in our annual calendar".
Among those taking part was TJ, who has relished being part of the club.
"I was never really a sport kid growing up, and as someone with a lot of anxiety it has been so lovely to tap into a group that's been both so supportive," TJ said.
The Pink Pythons defeated the Emerald Pythons 22-17 on the day.
Fellow new recruit Sam says the team names resulted in the captains being known as "Elphaba and Glenda" from Wicked.
The next Try Rugby programme starts in January, and those interested are asked to contact the club.
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