Josh Cavallo is the only openly gay professional top-flight male player in the world. He has praised Adelaide United’s decision to host the inaugural A-League Pride Game.
United will be the first A-League team and the first professional football team in Australia to host a Pride Game on Saturday week.
It will include the Reds women’s and men’s teams. They will be hosting the Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium.
As a sign of solidarity and support for the LGBTI+ community in Adelaide, the women’s and mens soccer players will wear jerseys with rainbow numbers and names.
Cavallo, who revealed he was gay four-months ago, said: This day is significant for me, members of LGBTI+ community, and Adelaide United.
Adelaide United is an inclusive environment. It is like one big family.
They have been so supportive of me since my arrival in Adelaide. I couldn’t be more proud of what the club and Pride Cup have done.
Pride Cup will be partnering the Reds to organize match day proceedings that will celebrate and promote inclusion.
Isabel Hodgson from Adelaide United said that the Pride Game would help to raise awareness and advocate about inclusion.
Hodgson said that it was really exciting to be part in something that celebrates diversity.
I am confident that this game will have an effect on local clubs and make dressing rooms across the country more welcoming and inclusive.
Reds CEO Nathan Kosmina said that it was a very proud day for Adelaide United, and the wider football community.
Kosmina stated that through football, we want to continue to create a safe space that is welcoming to all who come to Coopers Stadium.
Adelaide United is open to all, regardless of your sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic background, or ethnicity.
