AFL Barwon will be celebrating equality and inclusion with its Pride Round this weekend across its football and netball leagues.
The Pride Round is dedicated to honouring and recognizing the contributions of the LGBTIQA+ community within sporting leagues, AFL Barwon stated.
“The annual AFL Barwon Pride Round is a testament to the league’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
Geelong Amateurs female football player, Lucy Were, said the Pride Round is an opportunity for the club to demonstrate its support and foster a culture of inclusivity.
“It’s an awesome opportunity to show support and work towards the club culture that we strive for, and this is just a small snippet of achieving that,” she said.
Were explained the design of its jumpers includes the representative transgender colours on the side, to ensure that all aspects of equality were represented.
Jessie Morrow, a leader of the playing group at Drysdale Football Netball Club, also highlighted the significance of the Pride Round, saying it celebrates individual differences and unites everyone in supporting a worthy cause.
“Pride Round is knowing that it doesn’t matter who or what we are as a club, we are all there for the same purpose,” Morrow said.
“It is just about being able to be who you are.”
Similarly, Hannah Collins, a netballer from the Geelong West Giants, explained that highlighting inclusivity in a themed round is a significant step towards fostering a true sense of community within clubs and the wider league.
Edward Wilson, AFL Barwon’s Regional Manager, said; “AFL Barwon is proud to lead the Pride Round across all regional community football and netball competitions and leagues, in 2023.
“We’re incredibly proud of everyone who makes up our local community and strive to provide support and integrated equitable opportunities for all,” he said.
“Pride Round supports this vision significantly, and we’re proud to work with Clubs, partners, and stakeholders locally, who support our diversity and inclusion values and objectives.”
By: Craig Watson
Twitter: @krockfootball
