Muddy York Rugby Football Club (Toronto)
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Muddy York Rugby Football Club is a gay rugby club in Toronto, Ontario.
Formed in 2003 by a handful of largely unexperienced but enthusiastic men, the club rapidly attracted a full roster of players and began competing in the Toronto Rugby Union and in IGRAB. The club competes throughout southern Ontario and has travelled to numerous international competitions, including the Bingham Cup. The club is a member of the Ontario Rugby Union.
Muddy York RFC provides a welcoming learning environment for players of all skill levels, backgrounds, genders and orientations. The club is committed to bringing the sport of rugby to traditionally under-represented groups, focussing primarily on the gay, lesbian, bi, and trans community. Practices are held on a pitch in downtown Toronto easy accessible by public transit. No player is turned away because of financial need. Practices are designed to encourage any potential member to develop their skill level. Practices begin indoors in early spring; outdoor practices begin in May and continue into the autumn. In 2007 Muddy York practices take place at Jarvis Collegiate and at Jesse Ketchum PS. See the Muddy York website for details.
Throughout the year, the team participates in charity and other events supporting the broader Toronto community. In 2006 the club took part in The Toronto Santo Speedo Run and Pride Toronto, and raised funds for the Hassle Free Clinic.
Muddy York receives no government funding of any kind. It relies on member dues, and fund raising events at local bars such as Woody's. In 2007 Muddy York was the recipient of a generous grant from the Rugby Canada Foundation, their site.
