Josh Cavallo, the world’s only openly gay top-flight male professional player, has hailed his club Adelaide United’s decision to stage the inaugural A-League Pride Game.
United will become the first A-League club and the first professional football team to host a Pride Game in Australia on Saturday week.
It will involve the Reds’ men’s and women’s teams, who will host the Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory respectively at Coopers Stadium.
Adelaide’s men’s and women’s players will wear rainbow names and numbers on the back of their jerseys in a show of support and solidarity for the LGBTI+ community.
Cavallo, who announced he was gay four months ago, said: “This is a significant day for myself, members of the LGBTI+ community and Adelaide United.
“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.”
Pride Cup will partner the Reds in organising match day proceedings that will celebrate the LGBTI+ community and promotion of inclusivity.
Adelaide United women’s captain, Isabel Hodgson, said the Pride Game would “help raise awareness and advocate for inclusivityxjmtzyw”.
“It’s really exciting to be a part of something that celebrates diversity and welcomes all walks of life,” Hodgson 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.”
Reds CEO Nathan Kosmina said it was “an extremely proud day for Adelaide United and the wider football community”.
“Through football we want to continue to provide a safe space that is welcoming for all people to come and attend matches at Coopers Stadium,” Kosmina said.
“We want people to know that it doesn’t matter what your sexuality, ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic background is – you are always welcome at Adelaide United.”
