HISTORY

Inaugurated by Dr. Tom Waddell in 1982, the Gay Games spawned many inclusive athletic/ artistic clubs and is now the largest athletic competition in the world. The San Francisco Spikes Soccer Team was founded in ’82 to represent SF in this first of its kind, international, athletic event. The SF Spikes is the second oldest inclusive soccer club in the country, next to the New York Ramblers. Since its inception, the SF Spikes has become a 501C3 non-profit organization which is welcoming to all genders, all identities, and all skill levels.

The Club has sent players to each Gay Games competition including Vancouver, New York,
Amsterdam, Sydney, Chicago, Cologne, Cleveland (where we won gold), and Paris (where we also won gold!). The Spikes have participated in various tournament across the globe but mainly travel within the US and Canada to cities such as: Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Provincetown, and Philadelphia.

The Spikes Club is more than a group of athletes playing on a pitch. We were borne of Dr. Tom
Waddell's dream of “fostering self-respect, promoting equality, participation, personal best and inclusion of every sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political belief, athletic/artistic ability, age, physical challenge, and health status.” Our mission statement captures Waddell's dream by providing athletes with "opportunities to compete in local leagues, represent San Francisco in tournaments worldwide, and play recreational soccer. We create a healthy, affordable, and supportive environment for our members to play soccer at all levels, participate in gay social causes and events, build community, and have fun." We are truly part of a world-changing movement.

More than just an athletic club, we are an all inclusive organization that supports its members and gives back to the local community. Most recently, we created an "It Gets Better" video and were the first LGBT organization to host the Spirit of Futbol's "The Ball" which traveled from England to San Francisco to Brazil before the 2014 World Cup.

Our club is funded by member dues, individual donors, and generous support from local and national
businesses. Without “Partners in Community,” we couldn’t impact our community and members like we do. Generous individuals and businesses help the Spikes provide scholarship opportunities for low income athletes to participate in international and national tournaments, subsidizes club membership dues, and pays for field rentals and equipment purchases.

We welcome new members and look forward to having you be apart of the San Francisco Spikes! To read more of our history, check out our Facebook Page.