Ten years ago, Chris Hicks made a move that would reshape his life—not just geographically, but personally and emotionally. Leaving Essex in the UK for the sun-soaked shores of Sydney, he found himself far from home, but closer than ever to a sense of purpose and belonging.
“It was a happy accident moving to Sydney,” Chris reflects. “But it wasn’t easy at the start.” Like many expats, he relied on a small circle of friends during those early days to feel grounded in a new city. Everything changed when he joined the Sydney Rangers Football Club, Australia’s first gay men’s football team.
“Once I found the Rangers, it was like everything was supercharged,” he says. “I gained new friends, but also structure, responsibility, and eventually, a real sense of purpose.”
As the club’s current president, Chris now leads the very organisation that helped shape his Sydney journey. But back then, he was simply a player looking for connection and a safe space to be himself. “Being part of a team that relies on you every week is a fantastic and unique feeling,” he says. “It’s a defining part of my time here.”
Back in London, Chris wasn’t openly out to work colleagues. In contrast, Sydney—and the Rangers—offered a space to grow into his identity. “I wasn’t necessarily ‘in’, but I’ve become much more confident since moving here,” he explains. “The Rangers helped because I’ve never felt the need to be anything other than myself at this club.”
That ethos is now core to his leadership style. “When players feel safe, respected and part of a group, you see them grow. They look happier, more confident—and you see it in how they play.”
The Rangers have fostered strong relationships with other LGBTQ+ sports teams, including BATS, a lesbian and non-binary team, and the Sydney Convicts, a renowned gay rugby club. He sees greater collaboration across Australia and New Zealand’s queer sporting communities as essential. “It’s not just something we could do—it’s something we have to do. There are people who feel empowered to challenge LGBTQ+ progress, so we can’t get complacent. We’re stronger together.”
While the club is proudly based in Sydney, it’s open to all, including New Zealanders. “We’ve got exactly one Kiwi—Declan from Auckland—and he proudly wears his Chris Wood jersey to training,” Chris laughs. “But whether you’re from NZ or anywhere else, the Rangers is an amazing jumping-off point if you’re looking to find your people.”
His message to LGBTQ+ Kiwis looking to start their own sports clubs is simple but practical: “Build strong relationships with your local councils and associations. That backing is foundational.”
A major milestone for the Rangers is just around the corner—their first permanent home at Camdenville Oval, after decades of being a nomadic club. “Since 1997, we’ve moved from ground to ground, never having a place to truly call home,” says Chris. “Now, being based in a community means securing our future. We’ll attract new players from St Peters, Newtown, and Marrickville—from both the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.”
The new home base also paves the way for larger events, including international games. “We already play annual matches against Brisbane Inferno and Melbourne Rovers, but if a Kiwi team wants to come and try out the turf, we’d love to have you. Just make sure you stay for the afterparty!”
Reflecting on life far from the UK, Chris says he misses family and friends the most, but the Rangers have filled a big part of that gap. “When you live overseas, your friendships become even more important. Some of the boys here are absolutely my chosen family. Sure, we squabble, but that’s what families do.”
For anyone seeking connection through sport, Chris offers a simple invitation: “Come and play.”
Visit www.sydneyrangersfc.com.au or follow @sydneyrangersfc on Instagram and Facebook.
