Sydney FC will again join the APL’s Pride Celebration this weekend in a celebration of diversity and inclusivity to signify Australian football’s ongoing commitment to making football accessible and inclusive for everyone.
The Sky Blues will join other A-League club’s in marking the occasion with a number of activations during their home A-League Men’s and Women’s matches this Saturday and Sunday.
Sydney FC meet Western United on Saturday 9th March at Leichhardt Oval (7pm) in the Liberty A-League before taking on Brisbane Roar in Isuzu-UTE A-League at Allianz Stadium on Sunday 10th March, with all Members and fans encouraged to wear their rainbow flags and come dressed in bright colours and wigs to celebrate.
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Mark Aubrey said: “These are two very important games where we celebrate our diverse Membership and fan base and show how much we value Sydney FC games as welcoming and inclusive places for everyone to come and enjoy watching football.
“Everyone can play their part, and I encourage our Members and fans to think about how they can add to the atmosphere of the Round and celebrate inclusion while enjoying a fantastic weekend of football.”
To support inclusivity and show football as a welcoming space for all, Members and fans will be able to pick up rainbow flags to wave at the games, have their face painted in rainbow colours while the match day presentations will include representatives from local LGBTQI+ football clubs, Sydney Rangers and Flying Bats, carrying rainbow flags at walk out and music from LGBTQI+ artists.
Sky Blues captains Luke Brattan and Princess Ibini will wear rainbow armbands while rainbow corner flags will be present at both matches.
“We are delighted to be part of the Pride Celebration and as it demonstrates our on-going commitment to ensuring football is inclusive and accessible for all,” said Brattan.
“I’m excited to see the colour in the stands and everyone enjoying the welcoming environment.”
Sydney FC Women’s defender Charlotte McLean said: “Football is an inclusive and safe space for all and we welcome the fantastic support we receive from the LGBTQI+ community.
“It’s a really important game for us on field and it’s great to know there will be a colourful atmosphere of diversity and inclusivity off it.”
Sydney FC has also been working with the PFA and Pride Cup who have attended Sky Park in recent weeks to give LGBTQI+ inclusion training to all players and staff.
Sydney FC are working with Principal Partner Macquarie University to provide ticket offers for their LGBTQI+ students and groups and a number of Sydney FC partners will be jumping on board to support inclusivity by building the rainbow colours into their game day marketing.
