The North East has a richer LGBTQ+ sports scene than it gets credit for. From the country's largest inclusive running club to a brand-new swimming squad, you can find your people in almost any sport here. Below is the directory we keep current — golf included, obviously.
Out on the Fairway
GolfNorth East England
LGB social golf community covering the whole North East — beginners and seasoned players welcome.
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Newcastle Frontrunners
RunningNewcastle
The North East's largest inclusive running club, around 190 members and up to three weekly sessions.
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Newcastle Ravens RFC
Rugby union & touchNorth Shields
Inclusive rugby club, founded 2006 — men's 15s plus mixed-gender touch. International Gay Rugby member.
Visit website →
Newcastle Panthers FC
FootballGateshead / Newcastle
Established 2008 — the North East's first LGBTQ+ football club, 11- and 5-a-side.
Visit website →
Out To Swim Newcastle
SwimmingNewcastle / Gateshead
Inclusive swimming club launched 2025, four coached sessions a week for all abilities.
Visit website →
Geordie Grand Slammers
TennisJesmond, Newcastle
Inclusive tennis at The Northumberland Club, Sunday evenings — all levels welcome.
Visit website →
Newcastle Queer Climbing Club
Climbing & boulderingEden Rock, Newcastle
Tuesday-night bouldering at Eden Rock with a strong safe-space policy.
Visit website →
PRiDE OUT North East
CyclingNorth East England
Friendly inclusive cycling — gentle coffee rides through to road and MTB outings.
Visit website →
OutdoorLads — North East
Outdoors & adventureNewcastle & region
UK-wide outdoor charity for gay, bi and trans men, with regular North East events.
Visit website →
Gay Outdoor Club — North East
Walking & hikingDurham → Yorkshire Dales
Long-running national group — usually one Sunday walk a month around the North East.
Visit website →
Misfits Lift Club — Newcastle
Strength & conditioningThe Backyard, Newcastle
Not A Phase lift club — strength sessions in a welcoming, judgement-free space.
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Hart Gables
Wellbeing & socialHartlepool
Long-running LGBT+ support and social organisation covering Hartlepool and Tees Valley.
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Willow Tree LGBT+ Yoga
YogaNewcastle
Inclusive yoga sessions and community classes welcoming LGBTQ+ practitioners.
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Backyard Bingo
SocialNewcastle
Regular LGBTQ+ social nights at The Backyard — handy meeting point for new arrivals.
Visit website →
Wheels for Wellbeing — Queer
Cycling (accessible)Regional
Inclusive cycling charity with growing networks for queer and disabled cyclists.
Visit website →
Know one we've missed?
We want this to be the most useful single page for anyone arriving in the North East and looking for inclusive sport. If you run an LGBTQ+ friendly club in the region — or you're a member of one we've missed — please post in our private Facebook group and we'll add it.