Anglesea host annual Pride Game

THE finals chances of Anglesea’s women’s football team had a huge boost over the weekend with a 19-point victory over Geelong West Giants in the Pride Cup match.

The fourth annual Pride Cup saw both come together to support the LGBTQIA+ community and their safety and acceptance on and off the sporting field.

The home team dazzled in its pride jumpers designed by former player Rachel Joseph, while the visitors joined them in a show of unity by wearing rainbow socks and a special jumper of their own.

Before the bounce, players, umpires and officials also ran through a joint rainbow banner to plenty of cheers from the large crowd at Ellimatta Reserve.

Once the siren sounded, Anglesea was able to flex its muscles in the tight encounter, slotting three goals and keeping its opposition goal-less in a dominant second quarter.

A further two goals put the result beyond doubt with Kelsea Gray, Ella Nickolaus and Olivia Ritchie leading the charge for the Roos.

Anglesea senior female football coordinator Jenn Lingam was rapt with both clubs buy in both on and off the field.

“It was once again just an incredible day of unity and compassion.

“It’s really important to our club that we make an environment where everyone is accepted and feel safe.

“This game with Geelong West reinforces a common commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It’s something we are very proud of.”

Ms Lingam said the club was taking measures to ensure it was a leader in the LGBTQIA+ awareness space across the region.

“On top of hosting the Pride Cup match, we also secured a grant to hold an activation last week with our senior women’s and men’s players by the Pride Cup organisation.

“It was received incredibly well. The buy in was fantastic, the players all got so much out of it.”

Statistics suggest clubs working with Pride Cup are 40 per cent less likely to use homophobic language and abuse.

“We’ve loved working with them and learning more about we can do to keep making our environment as good as it can be,” Ms Lingam said.

“We aim to further enhance our support in 2025 by having men’s pride jumpers and hosting some more information sessions, particularly for some of our youth teams.”

With its win, the Roos’ women’s side cement second spot and will look to assert themselves on being a major player in the push for a flag this season.