Sydney FC’s Pride Celebration has been praised by players, fans and members of the LGBTQIA+ community following a weekend of rainbow festivities and activations.
The Pride Celebration took place across the A-Leagues with Sydney FC hosting our Liberty A-League clash with Western United on Saturday night at Leichhardt Oval and Brisbane Roar at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The weekend was intended as a celebration of diversity and inclusivity to signify Australian football’s ongoing commitment to making football accessible for all.
Sky Blues Members and fans were encouraged to add rainbow colours to their Sky Blue, tickets were offered to the LGBTQIA+ community, while Sydney FC’s players also got involved with hairdressing and even goalkeeper gloves.
“The Pride Celebration meant a lot to the team,” said Women’s goalscorer Abbey Lemon.
“We were all wearing pride scrunchies and ribbons to celebrate.
“It was really great to see all the support from everyone and just have a really good environment.”
LGBTIQ+ advocate Steve Spencer came to Sunday’s game at Allianz Stadium with seven friends and thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle.
“It was the best afternoon, and thank you to the team for the Pride Celebration we all reflected at the end there how important it is,” he said.
“It’s really not that long ago that these things wouldn’t have happened, we had an absolute ball and 100% would love to come see some more matches.”
Players from the LGBTQIA+ inclusive football clubs Sydney Rangers and The Flying Bats were on hand to form a guard of honour at each game and wave large rainbow flags.
Flying Bats Club President Jennifer Peden had 36 members of her club attend the matches, while right back Sarah Gore was one of four Bats who came to Women’s training on Friday night to encourage Ante Juric’s squad.
“Our players had the time of their lives, enjoyed the experiences and how welcoming and friendly everyone from Sydney FC had been,” said Peden.
“The experience was amazing and we all had such a great time,” said Gore.
“I can’t emphasize enough how warm and friendly every single staff member and player has been that we’ve interacted with. I feel incredibly proud to support such a supportive & caring club.”
Fans were also treated to rainbow face painting at both grounds while Sky Blues players handed out small rainbow flags to fans.
Sydney FC has also been working with the PFA and Pride Cup who have attended Sky Park in recent weeks to give LGBTQIA+ inclusion training to all players and staff.
