Warburton Millgrove will take on Yarra Glen in the second annual Pride Cup – to celebrate diversity and inclusion in sport.
The two teams have thrown their support behind the 2015 Pride Cup, which celebrates and recognises diversity and inclusion in sport for LGBTI individuals and are calling on the community to do the same.
“Diversity and inclusion for LGBTI people needs to start in our community sports and it is important that we all get behind it,” said Vinny Erickson, president of the Yarra Glen Football Netball Club, the 2014 Pride Cup champions. This year, the Yarra Glen Football Club will have former Carlton footballer and Pride Cup ambassador Brock McLean playing on their side.
Challengers Warburton Millgrove are encouraging everyone in the community to come and support the game. “We want everyone in our local community, those in the LGBTI communities and those that just love Aussie Rules to come and watch the game – it will be a great day,” said president Rodney Woods from Warburton Millgrove.
There will be a range of football and netball games that will be played during Pride Cup, ending with the senior football Pride Cup at 2:10pm. The presentation of the Pride Cup will be held at 4:30pm.
Rainbow Colours
The football ground will feature rainbow colours, the international symbol of gay pride, at the 50m line in a show of support for LGBTI inclusion that has been embraced by the teams, the local community and the AFL.
In addition, Jeff Kennett, Chariman of beyondblue and former Hawthorn President, will speak before the match, and St Kilda Football Club will run an Auskick clinic at half time.
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission will deliver diversity and inclusion training for players from both clubs in the lead up to the match.
AFL Football Operations Manager Mark Evans said football is a game for everyone and a game that challenges prejudice. “Diversity and inclusion is essential to our game. We say ‘no matter who you are, where you are from or who you love, we can all love footy.’
Pride Cup is being organised through the support and partnership of a number of organisations during Yarra Ranges Council, National Australia Bank, the AFL, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria and the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football and Netball league.
