It’s not like it’s difficult to crack jokes about gay boys playing soccer… Gay Pimp‘s “Soccer Practice,” anyone? But after watching Austin’s Gold Stars play, I’m afraid they might (excuse the parlance) cut a bitch.
The Gold Stars take the game seriously. Perhaps, it was Broken Hearts Club‘s apathetic softball team that made this blogger think the gay soccer crew would approach the activity with anything less than the intensity they bring. It could also have been the memories of childhood soccer, and moms yelling, “Keep your eye on the ball! Hustle!”
Unlike the ADHD plagued children of my youth, the Austin Gold Stars did hustle, they did keep their eyes on the ball:
Mick Lewis, team coach and sideline warrior, motivates his guys and makes sure the referees are kept in line… whether the opposing team likes it or not.
Jon Gray and Scott Rhode kept the team grounded on the field, while the rest of the squad put the plan of attack into action.
After two years and four seasons, the Austin Gold Stars are seeing marked improvement in a short period of time. Currently fourth in a field of 16 teams, there are those that recall the days when tying a game would have been a dream. Recalling the first season, Martin Note says, “Our team attendance cut in half after the first game.”
But those that stayed formed the beginnings of a team that has Rain on 4th‘s sponsorship and the respect of their opponents. After marching in the Gay Pride Parade, this team is on its way in becoming a local queer institution.
As serious as they are about their sport, the bond which led to the team’s creation still exists. And this is a gay team, after all. Snark exists, too. One team member was overheard to mutter about a particularly attractive opponent, “How are we supposed to concentrate when he’s over there with his shirt off?” A Broken Hearts Club moment, indeed.
So, go out there. Support your queer soccer boys. I think we need to get a groupie band of gays and drag queens called The Soccer Moms. We’ll serve orange slices, chilled juice boxes, and PB&J. No? But I already rented a minivan …
This article appears in October 23 • 2009.