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The initiative comes at a key moment with LGBTQ+ rights under attack from U.S. Highlighted by more than 100 hours of in-person LGBTQ+ inclusion training by Common Goal and partners Inside Inclusion, Impact International and Stonewall UK, the initiative not only hopes to unite clubs from across North America, but provide a holistic, 365-days-a-year approach to create safe, inclusive spaces for fans, stadium employees, front office staff and players, particularly as the continent looks ahead to hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To believe for a moment that only certain types of people love the sport is insanity.”
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“Sports are models, and demonstrating to people that this diverse group of individuals and entities can come together for a common cause is super beneficial.
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“The idea of coming together across clubs, countries and leagues and demonstrating an ability to cooperate to address a singular problem that affects all of us is very important for people to see,” says Evan Whitfield, Chicago Fire vice-president of equity, alumni relations and engagement. The first five-day workshop will be hosted by Angel City FC from April 11-15 in Los Angeles the second session will be hosted by Tigres in December in Monterrey, Mexico.Ĭhicago Fire FC and Philadelphia Union of MLS, Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC of NWSL, Tigres UANL of Liga MX, Oakland Roots SC and San Diego Loyal SC of USL, and Pacific FC of the Canadian Premier League will be represented by a club/front office representative, fan rep and community-based rep at these sessions. In order to provide a unified effort against homophobia and division in soccer, Play Proud is bringing together eight clubs from seven key markets across North America for more than 100 hours of LGBTQ+ training and education. We’re investing in building a culture of inclusivity from the front office to the stands.” “We have to look at it as a capital investment into people and culture.
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“Instead of continuing to put these Band-Aids on these issues or just working with youth or pro teams, we need to think collectively about how we can work and incentivize each other to do better,” says Lilli Barrett-O’Keefe, executive director at Common Goal North America.
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While attempting to tackle the problem at the youth level, Common Goal found mirrored problems at every level of the sport whether it was with fan groups, grassroots organizations or even at the professional level. In an effort to promote inclusion and diversity in The Beautiful Game, Common Goal, a pledge-based movement aiming to unite the global soccer community to tackle social challenges, launched Play Proud in 2018 with USWNT and OL Reign star Megan Rapinoe to “create methodology and train coaches and other sports professionals to address discrimination and create inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.” Many of the efforts to combat homophobia and promote inclusivity unfortunately remain siloed and reactionary rather than proactive and united.