How Scotland’s Leading Inclusive Rugby Club Uses Spond to Champion Diversity, Build Community, and Win with Pride
Since 2002, the Caledonian Thebans RFC have been challenging stereotypes, breaking down barriers in rugby and building pride in sport. As Scotland’s foremost inclusive rugby club, they provide a safe, empowering environment for LGBTQIA+ players and allies alike to thrive—on the field and in the wider sporting community.
What started as one Thebans Mens+ team over two decades ago has evolved into a vibrant club of over 125 members, with the establishment of Thebans Hydra – their first Womens+ side – in 2023, and the newly launched touch team, Thebans Midas, in January 2025.
As Pride Month 2025 comes to an end, Spond is proud to celebrate the Thebans and their unwavering commitment to inclusion, equity, and visibility. Their story is a powerful reminder of why we must all take Pride in Sport—and how digital tools like Spond are helping them do just that.
Breaking Down Barriers in Rugby
The Thebans were founded to address a simple but powerful need: to create a rugby club where everyone feels welcome, no matter what their sexual orientation, gender identity or background. Their mission is rooted inclusivity, and their strong performances on the pitch proves that rugby is truly for all.
Each team trains with discipline, competes with intensity, and earns respect through teamwork and grit.
“For our players who are non-binary or trans, the Thebans offer an environment where they can be unequivocally themselves,” says Amelia Elms, the club’s Publicity Officer. “They’re accepted and respected for who they are—and that’s at the core of everything we do.”
During Pride Month, the Thebans’ calendar is buzzing with activity that reinforces pride in sport: from the Porty Pride beach touch tournament and cold-water dip with Edinburgh Blue Balls, to the Edinburgh Pride march, end-of-season awards, and the annual Gladiator Games. These events go beyond celebration—they foster solidarity, amplify visibility, and show what true allyship looks like.
Inclusive by Design: The Role of Spond
In August 2024, the club made a significant shift from TeamSnap to Spond, a move driven by their growing structure and the need for a more intuitive, community-focused solution. With the club expanding beyond one team, the need for flexibility, sub-group creation, and clear communication became vital.
“The old app was clunky, and didn’t support our growth,” says Amelia. “Spond stood out because it was user-friendly, supported multiple squads, and centralised everything we needed—events, messaging, files, and attendance.”
Since making the switch, the Thebans have used Spond for:
- Group setup and team sub-groups
- Availability tracking for training, matches, and social events
- Centralised file storage (e.g. club constitution, Code of Conduct)
- Event reminders, invites and integrated maps
Creating Safe and Supportive Structures
Inclusivity doesn’t happen by accident—it’s something the Thebans build into every aspect of their club. From pronouns and photos on user profiles to gender-free team naming and communications, Spond enables a sense of safety and belonging for all members.
“It’s the small things that make a big difference,” says Amelia. “Spond doesn’t force gendered team labels. That’s important to a club like ours, where identity is diverse and deeply personal.”
In a sport sometimes marred by toxic masculinity, the Thebans create a space where people can rediscover their love for the game—or discover it for the first time. Many players come from clubs that didn’t reflect their values, while others pick up a rugby ball for the first time during the club’s bootcamp sessions, finding both pride in sport and solidarity.
Pride in Sport and Performance
The Thebans’ commitment to inclusion and pride in sport hasn’t just built community—it’s fuelled success. This past season, the Mens+ team reached the East Reserve 2 league final, finishing runners-up by a single point—their best-ever result. Meanwhile, Hydra won the inaugural Musselburgh 7s, overcoming the odds with passion and precision. And Midas, only formed this year, have already won their first competitive match.
None of it would’ve been possible without structure, communication, and commitment. That’s where Spond proved invaluable.
“We knew who was coming to each session, who was available for matches, and coaches could plan accordingly,” says Amelia. “Spond’s reminders and clear listings made sure we showed up for each other—rain or shine.”
Building a Culture That Lasts
Team culture is more than a buzzword for the Caledonian Thebans—it’s their lifeblood. It shapes how they play, how they communicate, and how they welcome newcomers. Spond has become a digital extension of that culture, helping them grow without losing their sense of community.
Attendance has improved. Communication is clearer. And with transparent document storage and shared values made visible, it’s easier for new and returning players to understand what the Thebans stand for.
Looking Ahead with Pride in Sport
The Thebans are more than just a rugby club—they’re a movement. One that shows you can take Pride in Sport while still taking home the win. Their example matters not just during Pride Month, but all year round.
At Spond, we’re honoured to support inclusive clubs like the Caledonian Thebans RFC—and proud to be part of their journey.
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