By: Ethan Howick
Whenever anyone moves to a new place, they always seek to find a community full of like-minded individuals. At Stonewall Sports Jacksonville, a local sports league and club, anyone is welcome.
Founded in 2010 in Washington, D.C., Stonewall Sports is a nonprofit organization that provides low-cost sports experience for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Since its founding, it has expanded to 28 chapters, including Jacksonville.
The club’s crown jewel league is kickball, which began Aug. 30. Locally, the Jacksonville branch plays kickball every Sunday at Willowbranch Park and will run for multiple months. No previous sports experience is required to play, and for non-able-bodied individuals, the club hosts numerous low-impact events, including darts, bocce ball, kickball, billiards, and book clubs.
Financially, Director Jo Huot said Stonewall Jacksonville has donated over $100,000 for local charities and other non-profits since the Jacksonville branch started five years ago. Beyond fundraising, Huot said Stonewall has impacted the lives of many people.
“We’re more than just teammates and opponents,” Huot said. “These are our best friends, our family, our bridesmaids, our best men. We’ve established such a community here that if you’re wearing a Stonewall shirt, you’re part of a family.”
According to many members, Stonewall offers a way for people new to the Jacksonville area to meet new friends and have fun. Curry Wilkins, a Jacksonville native, found out about Stonewall Sports through his close friends.
“Ever since I’ve joined, everybody’s been so welcoming and just absolutely welcoming,” Wilkins said. “I’ve already made so many friends on the team and other people on other teams.”
Each week, Wilkins, a member of the “Duuuball” team, looks forward to kickball on Sunday Mornings to connect with new people and participate in light-hearted competition.
“Here at “Duuuball” we are slightly competitive and highly social,” Wilkins said. “Of course, we want to win, but it’s more about just having a good time.”
Describing himself as more reserved than the average person, Wilkins recommends anyone who would be hesitant to join even if they don’t love sports.
“Put yourself out there,” Wilkins said. “It might be weird for a minute but ultimately it’s going to help you a lot and you’re going to meet a lot of really cool people.”
Created as a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people, Stonewall hopes to expand in Jacksonville and is always looking for new members. Whether you don’t play sports or have years of experience under your belt, everyone is welcome at Willowbranch Park on Sundays to cheer on different teams and soak in the atmosphere.