Australian football clubs across Queensland will add a splash of colour to their kits over the weekend of the July 15 and 16 in celebration of the fourth annual Pride Round.
The newly named EXIMM Sport Pride Round aims to celebrate and promote the LGBTIQA+ community in Queensland, while creating a safe space for everyone within the code.
AFL Queensland (AFLQ) is thrilled EXIMM Sport is back on board – this year as the naming rights sponsor – a huge boost for the annual round.
In the days leading up to the weekend’s matches, AFLQ will host information sessions with Pride Cup Australia to help educate stakeholders and participants about the significance of Pride Round for the LGBTIQA+ community.
Head of AFL Queensland Trisha Squires said Pride Round was one of the yearly highlights for many local clubs and AFLQ.
“This highly anticipated round is about more than just putting on rainbow socks and waving rainbow flags, it recognises the issues faced by our LGBTIQA+ community and promotes diversity and inclusion within our great game,” she said.
“AFL is for everyone, and our aim is to ensure all players, coaches, umpires, supporters and administrators feel safe and included and Pride Round is just one of the ways we promote this across the state.”
Garry Goodman, Managing Director of EXIMM, said he was excited to be partnering with AFL Queensland for a third year to celebrate Pride Round.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be returning as a major partner to AFL Queensland’s Pride Round, and even more excited to be the naming rights sponsor in 2023,” Goodman said.
“Pride Round is an important initiative within community football and the AFL, as it promotes inclusivity and acceptance for all players, coaches, officials and supporters. It provides an opportunity for clubs to be creative and design their own Pride guernseys while also educating the community on creating safe and inclusive environments in sport.
“Pride Round aligns with our values as a company, and we are proud to support this initiative that celebrates and supports the LGBTIQA+ community in sport.”
The marquee event will be held at Coorparoo AFC, where all Round 14 QAFLW matches will be played on the Saturday.
AFLQ beaming with pride
