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NASL Minnesota United FC

United in Pride: Minnesota United to Celebrate LGBT Community with 'Pride Match' Saturday Night

October 1, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Minnesota United FC News Release


MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Wednesday, October 1st, 2014) -- Minnesota United will be full of Pride this coming Saturday, October 4th as it opens its arms to the LGBT community when it faces the Atlanta Silverbacks at National Sports Center Stadium as part of "College Night," presented by Wells Fargo.

"As a club we are very excited to be hosting the Pride match on Saturday," said United President Nick Rogers. "There is a strong and vibrant LGBT community in the Twin Cities metro and we believe this a great opportunity to connect with that community and provide a great night of sporting entertainment in a safe and welcoming environment."

Since its inception in March 2013, Minnesota United has been a strong advocate for inclusion and tolerance in sports. United is the first professional sports organization to sign the Athlete Ally pledge. Athlete Ally is a nonprofit organization that provides public awareness campaigns, educational programming & tools and resources to foster inclusive sports communities.

"Sports are incredibly powerful in society and we, as a professional sports organization, are uniquely positioned to impact our culture," said Rogers. "Inclusiveness and tolerance have always been important and guiding principles for our club. The Athlete Ally pledge is something I brought to our coaching staff, and I think first and foremost I didn't want to do anything that would cause a problem in the locker room and make the players feel like they had to take sides on a controversial issue.

"Athlete Ally is not advocating a viewpoint; it is just saying that on the field of play the only thing that matters is the competition. That resonated with the guys."

Athlete Ally Executive Director, Hudson Taylor explained the impact of Minnesota United signing the pledge: "Athlete Ally is helping build a future where sports welcomes everyone. In becoming the first professional team in sports to take the Athlete Ally pledge together, Minnesota United FC lead by powerful example. Since we first began working with the club we have strengthened or formed partnership with many professional sports leagues, plus the numbers of athletes joining our ranks is extraordinary. We now have over 100 professional ambassadors, and each day athletes and fans are growing more aware of the positive impact they can have in advancing LGBT equality."

More than thirty members of the Minnesota United front office, coaching staff and team roster have signed the Athlete Ally Pledge.

"It's silly that people can't be who they want to be," said United midfielder Floyd Franks. "Sports are about expressing yourself. It wouldn't bother me one way or the other who you are off the field. When you step onto that field you all have one common goal and it has nothing to do with your beliefs or personal preferences. As long as you pass me the ball there won't be a problem."

As part of the great night of Pride, Athlete Ally member and former Minnesota Vikings punter, Chris Kluwe will be in attendance showing his support for the LGBT community. Kluwe will take part in the pregame ceremonial ball delivery as well as the halftime proceedings.

"We are excited to have a great representative like Chris Kluwe - who has been a great leader in the area of LGBT rights - be a part of this fantastic evening," said President Rogers.

Prior to the match, Minnesota United front office staff will take part in "LGBT Awareness and Education Training" provided by Saby Labor, the Women's LGBT Coordinator and Retention Specialist in the Student Affairs Department at Metropolitan State University.

The match against the Atlanta Silverbacks, who are also involved with Athlete Ally, will kick off at 7 p.m. CT at National Sports Center Stadium. For tickets and information fans can call 763.4SOCCER or visit www.MNUnitedFC.com/tickets

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