Four months after their men’s player Josh Cavallo came out as gay, Adelaide United will become the first A-Leagues club to host pride games.
Adelaide’s doubleheader at Cooper’s Stadium on February 26, when their A-League Women’s team face Melbourne Victory before the men’s team play Central Coast, will both be pride games.
Both the Isuzu UTE A-League and Liberty A-League teams will wear rainbow numbers and names on the backs of their jerseys in a show of solidarity, while Adelaide are partnering with Pride Cup for the day.
The Reds stressed they wanted their games to be a safe space for everyone to attend.
“This is a significant day for myself, members of the LGBTI+ community, and Adelaide United,” Cavallo, the only openly gay active player in any of the world’s top men’s football leagues, said.
“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.”
ALW captain Isabel Hodgson believed the game would help 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,” she said.
“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.”
