An inclusive rugby club have received national recognition securing the ‘Community Award – LGBT’ at the National Diversity Awards.

Preston-based Typhoons RUFC are the first inclusive rugby club and they won the award at the Liverpool ceremony which was held on Friday, 4 February.

The awards, which celebrated their 10th year were set up to create and celebrate a new generation of positive role models for the UK.

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The Community Organisation category recognises individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to their local community.

Typhoons RUFC was established in 2018, was set up with the goal of attracting more LGBTQ+ people to participate in sport.

Since it launched the club has now attracted over 80 members across its Rugby Union and Touch Ruby teams which train each week at Preston Grasshoppers.

In addition to weekly training and matches the club has played an active role within the community, attending pride events, and raising money for local charities.

During the pandemic the club was successful in attracting funding from Comic Relief’s LGBTQ+ Covid-19 Recovery Fund, in partnership with METRO Charity, Yorkshire MESMAC and Birmingham LGBT allowing the players to engage with a range of mental and physical health services during a time when the team were otherwise unable to meet and train.

Chris Goulding, club chair said: “For many of our teammates, our weekly training sessions are an opportunity to be themselves, to get in shape and to build a support network.

“Being a Typhoon is more than just being a sports club. It is about being an active and positive role model in the community.

“We have only been able to achieve the things we have because of the support of dedicated volunteers, the generosity of amazing local businesses, the kindness of Lancashire’s communities and the belief and participation of our members.”

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