Adelaide United is excited to announce the launch of the inaugural A-Leagues Pride Game, in conjunction with major event partners McDonald’s and Flinders University, on Saturday, 26 February 2022.
Adelaide United will be the first A-Leagues Club and the first professional football team to host a Pride Game in Australia with our women’s team kicking proceedings off against Melbourne Victory, before the men host Central Coast Mariners.
Pride Cup will be partnering with the Club to help facilitate the gameday in what is a celebration of the LGBTI+ community and promotion of inclusivity.
Players from the Club’s women’s and men’s teams will both be wearing rainbow names and numbers on the back of their playing jerseys in a show of support and solidarity for the LGBTI+ community.
The game will feature performances by cabaret performer Issie Hart (they/them) and Choir.
Adelaide United Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Kosmina (he/him), said: “This is an extremely proud day for Adelaide United and the wider football community.
“Through football we want to continue to provide a safe space that is welcoming for all people to come and attend matches at Coopers Stadium.
“We want people to know that it doesn’t matter what your sexuality, ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic background is – you are always welcome at Adelaide United.”
Adelaide United defender, Josh Cavallo (he/him), said: “This is a significant day for myself, members of the LGBTI+ community, and Adelaide United.
“Adelaide United is an incredibly inclusive environment and is like one big family.
“They’ve been extremely supportive of me since I arrived in Adelaide, and I couldn’t be prouder what the Club together with Pride Cup have organised.”
Adelaide United defender, Isabel Hodgson (she/her), said: “This Pride Game will certainly help raise awareness and advocate for inclusivity.
“As Captain of our women’s team, it’s really exciting to be a part of something that celebrates diversity and welcomes all walks of life.
“I’m confident this game will have an impact on local clubs and make the cultures of dressing rooms right around the country more inviting and inclusive.”
Pride Cup Chief Executive Officer, James Lolicato (he/him), said: “This is an exciting moment for Australian football and we are delighted to partner with Adelaide United for this meaningful occasion.
“78% of LGBTI+ people don’t feel safe as spectators at sporting events, this is a huge opportunity to show LGBTI+ people that football can be a safe and welcoming place for all.
“This is about more than just visibility though. We will also be holding education sessions, empowering the Club to become leaders in equity and inclusivity.
“Through the Pride Game, we have a fantastic opportunity to both celebrate the wonderful LGBTI+ players, fans and officials of the game, deliver important education and highlight how sport can change hearts and minds.”
McDonald’s Market Manager for South Australia, Alex Carapetis (he/him), said: “McDonald’s has been a partner of Adelaide United for several years now and we are proud to be teaming up to champion diversity and inclusion – whether in our restaurants, on the field, or in the community.”
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling (he/him), said: “We are proud to partner with Adelaide United and to support this very important event.
“Our values of equity and inclusion are well-aligned with those of the Adelaide United Football Club and we are pleased to be able to find new ways to continue to build awareness for the LGBTI+ community.
“Unfortunately, research shows discrimination remains a major obstacle to participation for members of the LGBTI+ population, and we must all play our part in creating positive change.”
Australian Professional Leagues Chief Executive Officer, Danny Townsend (he/him), said: “Football is everybody’s game, and it’s part of our mission to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included in the A-Leagues.
“The creation of this Pride Game is a proud moment for our leagues, and we look forward continuing and growing its legacy.”
United Pride merchandise will also be available at Coopers Stadium and in-store, with proceeds going to Pride Cup, while there will be a range of rainbow stadium assets, from corner flags and safe smoke to signage.
Tickets for the double header are on sale and you can purchase your seats here.
