History of Pride Round in the Barwon Region

The Annual AFL Barwon's Pride Round takes place this weekend across football and netball clubs at community grounds throughout the Barwon region. The Pride Round in the AFL Barwon region has had a profound impact on the local community. It has provided a platform for LGBTQ+ athletes and supporters to feel seen and valued, reducing stigma and offering a more inclusive environment through the representation of vibrant rainbow colours and a powerful message of inclusivity.

This weekend is dedicated to celebrating and recognising the contributions of the LGBTIQA+ community within our region and at our clubs. The acknowledgement of Pride in the AFL Barwon region started in 2018 with a key working party made up of LGBTQ+ leaders from the Geelong community, with investment and assistance from the Geelong Cats.

The concept of the Pride Cup was first delivered in 2014, inspired by Jason Ball, an openly gay Australian rules footballer. Ball’s experiences of discrimination and the lack of visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes in sports led him to advocate for a dedicated event that would promote inclusivity and respect. The inaugural Pride Cup was held in Yarra Glen, Victoria, where Ball played, marking a pivotal moment in Australian sports history. The AFL Barwon Clubs and community have embraced the initiative, recognizing the importance of promoting diversity within its community.

The initial Pride Cup in the AFL Barwon region was held between the Newtown & Chilwell Football Netball Club and Leopold Football Netball Club. This event marked a significant step towards inclusivity, featuring rainbow-themed apparel, rainbow painted 50m arcs, educational workshops, and speeches from prominent LGBTQ+ advocates. The event received widespread support from the local community, highlighting the region's commitment to equality in sports.

The AFL Barwon clubs have continued to embrace and celebrate Pride Round which has grown over the years. The strongest support has been through our Female Football Clubs who have become key participants in the round. St Mary’s, Grovedale and Drysdale all embraced Pride Round matches very early on, further embedding the values of inclusivity and respect within the regional sports culture.

When Pride Round resumed following the interrupted seasons, it was certainly met with greater support and involvement by the AFL Barwon clubs. The AFL Barwon region saw an increase in participation, with more clubs and community members engaging in the celebration of diversity. The events became larger and more inclusive, greater club pride representation on apparel, and broader media coverage, reinforcing the Pride Cup’s importance within the regional sports calendar.

The 2024 Pride Round will see marquees matches in the Senior Female Competitions involving Grovedale and St Mary’s, Anglesea and Geelong West, Thomson and Geelong Amateurs, Newtown & Chilwell and Drysdale, and, Grovedale and Belmont. There were 5 clubs who were successful in receiving a grant from Pride Cup to cover essential event expenses, such as Pride uniforms, guest speakers, food and beverages, and entertainment. This has provided a further opportunity to increase celebration, awareness and education for these clubs and their members.

AFL Barwon welcomes all clubs to get involved this weekend in celebrating Pride Round and spreading the key messages throughout the community.