In an annual celebration of inclusion and diversity in sport for LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse individuals, Touch Football Australia will host its Touch of Pride event on Friday, October 11 at Latham Park, South Coogee.
The single-day event will be hosted for the first time in Sydney in the coastal Eastern Suburbs, incorporating social Touch Football in a festival-like atmosphere to celebrate inclusion and diversity, with invitations extended to Australia’s corporate sector as an engaging initiative to show their support.
Launched in 2022 at the University of Queensland and continuing in 2023 in Canberra, Touch of Pride is an initiative from Touch Football Australia to make Touch Football a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for all Australians regardless of gender, sexuality, and diverse backgrounds.
A percentage of each team’s entry fee will also be donated to QLife – a charity providing anonymous and free LGBTQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Touch Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jamie O’Connor acknowledged the importance of the event on the Touch Football calendar and the organisation’s commitment to inclusion.
“Touch Football Australia is committed to making our sport welcoming to everyone, and Touch of Pride continues to be a key pillar in creating an inclusive and respectful environment for our community to connect”, O’Connor said.
“After incredible support in Brisbane and Canberra, we’re excited to now bring the event to Sydney and look forward to welcoming all participants to an event like no other as we continue to drive change together.”
Touch Football Australia continues to implement governance reform and education through membership of the Pride in Sport program, being named Most Improved Sport in 2023 and awarded Gold Sporting Organisation in 2024.
Pride in Sport is Australia’s only program specifically designed to assist sporting organisations with the inclusion of people of diverse sexualities and genders at all levels.
Corporate organisations can show their support and register teams for the 2024 Touch of Pride event here or by contacting zoe@touchfootball.com.au.
