Magpies, Demons set for inaugural TSL Pride Cup

Glenorchy and North Hobart’s round 17 encounter at KGV Oval will take on additional significance, with the Magpies and Demons playing in the TSL’s inaugural ‘Pride Cup’ match this Saturday.

This is the Tasmanian State League’s first ‘Pride Cup’ game, with the initiative aimed to celebrate and promote inclusion and diversity, while creating a safe space for all people within the sport.

TSL Management has brought this initiative to life with the support of Pride Cup Australia, an organisation that helps community clubs and organisations host events to challenge homophobia and transphobia within sporting clubs and make them more welcoming for LGBTIQ+ fans, players, and officials.

Both clubs have been provided with educational resources for players, coaches and club staff on the value of sport for social inclusion, the power of language, barriers to sport for members of the LGBTIQ+ community and more.

On Saturday, Glenorchy players will wear rainbow socks, with goal umpires also set to use rainbow goal flags and wear rainbow beanies.

AFL Tasmania would like to thank the Glenorchy and North Hobart football clubs, as well as Pride Cup Australia and Working It Out.

 AFL Tasmania Regional Manager, South & TSL Andy Bennett says, “We are thrilled to be running a Pride Cup match for the first time within the TSL and are grateful for the proactive enthusiasm displayed by both the Glenorchy and North Hobart football clubs to bring this idea to life.

“We are determined to make this an annual event, and to make it bigger and better year on year as we continue to work with local and national organisations to support our football community.

“Our game is for everyone, and through initiatives like the Pride Cup, we hope to create champions for change in local communities to ensure our football community is connected, supported and safe for all.”

Glenorchy President, John McCann says, “Our great game is for all, and we are excited to be involved in an initiative that reaffirms our commitment to being a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the northern suburbs and beyond – including all players, coaches, volunteers, officials and supporters.

“We are pleased to take a leadership role for our community and encourage all clubs, teams and community groups to embrace such opportunities.”

North Hobart President, Craig Martin says, “We are delighted to be involved in this Pride Cup game.

“The North Hobart Football Club prides itself on being an inclusive space and environment for all, and this game against Glenorchy is about celebrating diversity in our community and in our footy clubs.”

More information about Working It Out can be found here. 

More information about Pride Cup Australia can be found here.