The inaugural Geelong Pride Cup will be held on Sunday 10^th June at Leopold Football Netball Club where diversity and inclusion in sport for the LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual) communities will be celebrated.

The Pride Cup will feature senior division football and netball games between Leopold Football & Netball Club and Newtown Chilwell Football & Netball Club, with players from both clubs to wear rainbow colours in their guernseys and netball bibs.

The Pride Cup aims to ensure local football and netball clubs are open for all and highlights the importance of creating actively inclusive, healthy, respectful and safe sporting and community environments in Geelong and regional communities.

“AFL Barwon is delighted to be hosting the inaugural Pride Cup in our region, and to be at the forefront of an important initiative," AFL Barwon Region Manager Lee Hartman said.

"AFL Barwon is proud to stand alongside it's sponsors and the Leopold and Newtown & Chilwell Football Netball Clubs to support the Pride Cup - and raising public awareness and educating the whole local community about how they can become more inclusive for LGBTIQ+ supporters, players and officials."

Leopold FNC President Brendan Thompson said the club is rapt to have been selected to host the inaugural Pride Cup.

“We're proud of the fact we can help get the message out to everybody," Thompson said.

"We want everyone to support it and to come on down on Sunday and enjoy the day."

Newtown & Chilwell FNC President Shaun McWilliam echoed sentiment.

"We were really keen to be involved in the inaugural Pride Cup. From our point of view that is what football and netball clubs are about- acceptance and everyone is welcome,” McWilliam said.

“We're really proud to be involved in it and are looking forward to the day."

Creating a welcoming and inclusive club environment has many advantages for clubs in the Geelong region including, increased membership, stronger, healthier, more supportive communities and a richer club environment where members learn from each other’s backgrounds and experiences.  

In the lead up to the Pride Cup, all AFL Barwon Clubs will have access to LGBTIQA+ educators and welfare support to ensure that anyone who wishes to discuss the Pride Cup, any LGBTIQA+ matters or any personal matters are able to do so in a safe and inclusive environment.

The Pride Cup is supported by Worksafe Victoria, Bendigo Bank, Deakin University, AFL Barwon, City of Greater Geelong, Bay 93.9 and the Geelong Cats.

2018 PRIDE CUP

Leopold Football & Netball Club v Newtown Chilwell Football & Netball Club

Sunday 10^th June, 2018

Leopold Football & Netball Club - 103 Melaluka Road, Leopold

1.35pm: A Grade Netball

2.10pm: Senior Football