Gangs of assorted mates (5)
I believe the answer is:
teams
'gangs' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'assorted mates' is the wordplay.
'assorted' is an anagram indicator.
'mates' with letters rearranged gives 'TEAMS'.
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for teams that I've seen before include "Squads" , "Lots of players" , "Crews" , "Groups of people working together" , "Sports sides" .)