Impact-Report-PRIDE-CUP-2025 by Pressroom Partners

Acknowledgment of Country

The Pride Cup team works across Australia.

We acknowledge the lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation where we are based. Pride Cup acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live, and play.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge their ongoing care for and connections to the air, lands, and waters.

CEO and Board Chair 2024 Reflections

2024 was a year of challenges for many communities Pride Cup works with. Increasing cost of living impacted both grassroots and elite sport with many seeing financial support being reduced or withdrawn.

Given the tightening economic environment for everyday people, it’s extraordinary that Pride Cup finished 2024 by supporting more than double the number of pride events compared to 2023. This year saw a record number of PrideGame and PrideRound events hosted in various AFL competitions across the country.

Year on year, we’ve seen continued growth of elite women’s sport that showcases and celebrates out and proud athletes and their allies. We’re also seeing more men’s teams increase their engagement with LGBTIQ+ inclusion through education and bystander intervention training. Importantly, we’re also seeing more major sports taking LGBTIQ+ inclusion more seriously, notably the AFL’s cascading sanctions for homophobic abuse on field and Sydney FC’s launch of the first-ever pride membership in Australia.

There remains so much work to do. Sports continue to exclude trans people, with both cricket and netball international bodies releasing new policies that prohibit the participation of trans women at an elite level. New research has also established that while percentages of LGBTIQ+ young people are increasing, participation in sport is actually decreasing.

We can and must continue to fight for inclusion for all LGBTIQ+ people in every sport. 2025 will show us just how hard.

Hayley Conway CEO

Leaders in all sports are grappling with the inclusion ‘dilemma’ of balancing the rights of different groups to feel included and celebrated within their sport. But the needs of diverse communities aren’t at odds with each other if we put inclusion for everyone at the center of our approach.

At times, detractors tell us that celebrating pride creates division, when we know that the opposite is true. Pride Cups, Indigenous Rounds, and multicultural rounds aren’t just gifts from one community to a club - they’re catalysts for better performance.

When athletes (and officials) can bring their whole selves to the field, when they feel truly welcomed and celebrated, they play their best game and our sporting clubs, and the communities they are the heartbeat of, flourish.

Inclusion rounds offer an important chance to learn about a culture you may not know much about, an opportunity to celebrate that group and show that they too have a place in sport. In doing so these celebrations don’t just help address historical exclusion and modern day discrimination - they help create stronger, more resilient communities.

Looking ahead to 2025, this approach is growing in importance. It’s not enough to be inclusive of just a few of the letters from our LGBTIQ+ community, nor is it enough to be inclusive of LGBTIQ+ people at the expense of people of faith or different ethnicities. Truly harnessing diversity makes us unstoppable.

Holly Ransom Chair of the Board

Overview

In 2024, Pride Cup set out to make a real difference—reaching more sports, more communities, and more people than ever before.

This year, we delivered inclusion education to every elite football team in the country through our partnership with the A-Leagues and welcomed 15 new tennis clubs into the Pride Cup family through Tennis Australia’s Serving Pride initiative.

The Paris Olympics made history with 199 out LGBTQIA+ athletes, the most ever at a Games. Closer to home, record crowds at the NRLW State of Origin and a sold-out AFLW Grand Final showcased the incredible growth of women’s elite sport—where LGBTIQ+ representation is stronger and prouder than ever. These moments marked real progress, with athletes proudly embracing their identities. But alongside these wins, challenges like rising online abuse and exclusionary elite sporting policies served as stark reminders of why the fight for true inclusion must continue.

At Pride Cup, we’re proud to have doubled the number of events held across local and elite teams this year. In a time of growing hate and discrimination in some corners of sport, community clubs are stepping up, showing what’s possible when we work together to make sport a safe, welcoming, and joyful space for everyone.

Our 2024 Goals

Expand Reach to Regional Clubs:

Strengthen Financial Stability:

Build financial security for Pride Cup while creating new opportunities for partner organisations to support sustainable growth and community impact.

Broaden Sporting Code Participation:

Continue to grow the Pride Cup community across diverse sporting codes, fostering inclusion in both new and established sports.

Showcase Inclusion at the Elite Level:

Increase representation at the highest levels of sport with expanded elite-level activations and collaborations that champion diversity and inclusivity.

Support Local Clubs:

Provide funds to equip Pride Cup clubs to deliver successful and meaningful activations.

Forge Transformative Partnerships:

Develop authentic, high-impact partnerships that create lasting change and amplify LGBTIQ+ inclusion across the sporting community. 1 2 3 4 5 6

A letter to his younger self

“Yes you’re gay. But I want you to know that it’s not something to be afraid of . . .

It’s a beautiful aspect of who you are, a piece of the intricate mosaic that makes you unique and extraordinary. I understand the fear of rejection. The worry that those you hold close will turn their backs on you. But trust me when I say that love knows no bounds. Your friends, your family, even your teammates, they will embrace you for exactly who you are. And yes, that includes the football club, the place where you fear revealing your true self the most.

When you finally come out to your teammates, not only will they stand by your side, but together you will create the first ever Pride Cup. You will paint the 50 metre line rainbow, the international symbol of gay Pride. This message of acceptance will have a ripple effect throughout your home town and across the whole country… Pride Cup will become a nationwide movement, with hundreds of clubs at every level, and every code, leveraging the power of sport to bring a message of hope and inclusion to their community.”

-Jason Ball, Pride Cup founder,

in a letter to his younger self, in the lead up to the 10th Anniversary Yarra Glen Pride Cup in 2024.

Our Vision

A world where every LGBTIQ+ person is included, accepted, and proud to be who they are.

Our Purpose

Pride Cup is changing culture through sport to make LGBTIQ+ people feel safe, welcome and accepted. When you change sport, you change entire communities.

2024 Impact: At A Glance

In a challenging time for LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport, Pride Cup is growing stronger than ever.

2024, 29 clubs returned, many for their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year, while Yarra Glen hit 10 years and Holy Trinity Cricket Club & Richmond Union Bowling Club reached 5. With new clubs joining every year, we’re proving that inclusion in sport isn’t just possible—it’s unstoppable.

Building Strong Communities

NEW SPORTING CODES (FENCING AND DODGEBALL) AND 17 DIFFERENT CODES REPRESENTED IN 2024 ACTIVATIONS - 32 UNIQUE SPORTS REACHED SINCE 2018.

1247

TEAMS REACHED SINCE 2018

406

TEAMS REACHED IN 2024, UP FROM 287 IN 2023

23 71 68%

ELITE TEAMS REACHED WITH LGBTIQ+ INCLUSION EDUCATION NEW HOST CLUBS IN 2024 (70% NEW HOSTS) OF EVENTS IN VICTORIA, 32% REST OF AUSTRALIA

Adelaide SA

Albert Park VIC

Alphington VIC

Altona VIC

Anglesea VIC

Baldivis WA

Bell Park, Geelong VIC

Bellfield VIC

Bendigo VIC

Berwick VIC

Blacktown NSW

Brisbane QLD

Brunswick East VIC

Bulleen VIC

Cairns QLD

Camperdown NSW

Canberra ACT

Carlisle WA

Carnes Hill NSW

Caulfield East VIC

Deakin ACT

Doncaster east VIC

Echuca VIC

Elphinstone VIC

Fawkner VIC

Footscray VIC

Geelong VIC

Gisborne VIC

Glen Iris VIC

Glenorchy TAS

Grovedale VIC

Harcourt VIC

Hay NSW

2024 Map of Activations

Heyfield VIC

Inverloch VIC

Kingsbury VIC

Lavington NSW

Lilyfield NSW

Margaret River WA

Marong VIC

Melbourne VIC

Montmorency VIC

Mosman Park WA

Mount Claremont WA

Newcastle West NSW

Newtown VIC

North Melbourne VIC

Northcote VIC

Pakenham VIC

Parkville VIC

Penshurst NSW

Perth WA

Port Douglas QLD

Preston VIC

Queens Domain TAS

Reservoir VIC

Ringwood VIC

Springvale VIC

St Kilda West VIC

Surrey Downs SA

Sydney NSW

The Gardens NT

Thornbury VIC

Traralgon VIC

Ulladulla NSW

Urrbrae SA

Wallington VIC

Wangaratta VIC

Warragul VIC

Werribee VIC

Westmeadows VIC

Williamstown VIC

Wodonga VIC

Wonthaggi VIC

Yarra Glen VIC

Yarraville VIC

Stronger Together: Partnering for Lasting Change

The support of our Gold-level Partners—Coles, NAB, PwC, and Qantas has been instrumental in expanding Pride Cup’s reach and impact. Their commitment goes beyond sponsorship; they actively champion inclusion in sport and within their own workplaces year-round.

In 2024, Coles reaffirmed its dedication by signing a new two-year par tnership, engaging Pride Cup staff in national panel discussions, and driving a campaign to encourage Coles employees to bring Pride Cup to their local clubs. NAB deepened its support by activating at Yarra Glen’s 10-year Pride Cup Anniversary and AFLW Pride Round, with Pride Cup representation on NAB’s Pride Month panel. Qantas’ continued commitment has helped Pride Cup deliver over 50 education sessions and events in the past two years, ensuring inclusion reaches every level of sport. Meanwhile, PwC has provided crucial event space and catering for key Pride Cup meetings and is leading the charge on our upcoming Play With Pride report, examining the experiences of LGBTIQ+ people in women’s sport, set for release in 2025.

Together, these partners are driving real, year-round change, ensuring sport remains a place where LGBTIQ+ people feel safe, celebrated, and included.

Our Silver Partners

Our Silver Partners provide crucial support for clubs and communities. Our thanks go to Baker McKenzie, Crown Group, LSKD, and Pressroom Philanthropy.

Through these partnerships, Pride Cup has been recognised as a Public Benevolent Institute, qualifying donations to us as deductible gifts. We’ve protected the Pride Cup brand through improved intellectual property approaches, and had our work promoted on a highly visible Melbourne billboard. And we’ve even been able to offer gifts and incentives of workout gear to supporters and Pride Cup clubs.

Both Gold and Silver partners play an instrumental role in our ability to reach more regional sporting teams across the nation. Our partner’s commitment goes beyond sponsorship; it is a shared dedication to the Vision of Pride Cup - a world where every LGBTIQ+ person is included, accepted, and proud to be who they are.

Notes from our Gold Partners:

“Our partnership with Pride Cup is dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of the LGBTQI+ community. As longstanding supporters of community and professional sports, we recognize the vital role sports play in improving Australians’ daily lives and creating a sense of belonging. We commend Pride Cup for their exceptional work in fostering LGBTQI+ participation in sports for over 10 years. Their work is instrumental in building inclusive communities connected by sport. Guided by our core values of care and courage, we remain committed to Pride Cup, striving together to support positive mental health outcomes for all.” - Cole

““Qantas has a longstanding history of actively supporting and contributing to LGBTQI+ communities. Its employee network is dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ members and their allies and has grown to more than 1,600 members in just over 2 years.

Qantas is also a member of Pride in Diversity, and each year engages with the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) to assess and reflect on its 360 LGBTQI+ inclusion status. In 2024 Qantas received Gold in the AWEI ranking, demonstrating a strong commitment to equitable process, practices and policies.

Qantas aims to build a safe and inclusive culture by championing equity and celebrating diversity. Qantas recognises diverse lived experiences, and believes that valuing diversity of thought and experience helps to build a better understanding of its customers, improves decision making, and upholds its commitment to safety.” - Qantas

“NAB are proud to be longtime and passionate supporters of Pride Cup. Since its inception, we have stood together with a shared vision that everyone deserves to be their true selves.

From small beginnings it’s been outstanding to see Pride Cup grow - advocating for acceptance, celebrating pride, and promoting inclusive sporting participation. We view our relationship with Pride Cup as a privilege and are excited that our journey together continues.” - NAB

““PwC Australia is proud to continue its support of Pride Cup in advancing inclusion across our broader community.

This year we’ve supported research into the impacts of homophobia on women in sport and look forward to launching an Australiafirst survey to further understand this topic in 2025. Together we are committed to making a positive difference for LGBTIQ+ communities across sporting organisations nationwide. ” - Georgina Box, Partner | PwC

Quotes from our Supporters

A Leagues

“In 2023, the A-Leagues became the first league in the world to hold simultaneous men’s and women’s Pride Celebrations, and we were proud to continue this celebration in 2024 - signifying the code’s ongoing commitment to making football accessible and inclusive for everyone.

The A-Leagues’ Pride Celebration is grounded in education and training for players, staff, executives and partners, with the ambition of seeing every person involved within our game in Australia and New Zealand feeling safe and included.”

We’d like to thank Pride Cup for their partnership and expertise in delivering the unique inclusion training series, and the PFA, our clubs and fans for supporting and embracing this great celebration.”

- Nick Garcia, A-Leagues Commissioner

Melbourne Victory

“Being part of the A-Leagues Pride Round last season was deeply personal for me as a member of the LGBTIQ+ community. It was powerful to see the clubs, players, fans and stakeholders stand in solidarity, showing that football is a space where everyone can belong.

The experience meant so much, not just for me, but for all LGBTIQ+ individuals, and the impact on our team and supporters was profound. It was a reminder that when we unite in acceptance, we create a stronger, more inclusive environment for all.”

- Emma Checker, Melbourne Victory

Port Adelaide FC

“Hayley and the Pride Cup team facilitated an engaging and impactful education session with our AFL playing group.”

“We are grateful for Hayley’s care and guidance throughout, and look forward to engaging Pride Cup in an expanded program with all players and staff in 2025.”

- Matthew Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, Port Adelaide Football Club

Highlights From Our Community

Incredible clubs, people, and leagues made 2024 a standout year for LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport.

With support from Pride Cup— including inclusion education, game day guidance, and community activation—they led the way in shifting club cultures and creating safer, more inclusive spaces for all.

11 FEBRUARY

Richmond Union Bowling Club Pride Cup

Being part of Pride Cup is all positive, it has made us friends and has demonstrated our club is a safe place for those that have faced difficulty, prejudice, perhaps even ridicule in the past. Our Club is a better place because we have opened our doors to the LGBTQIA+ community. Our Club is vibrant. It is a fun and happy place to be. It is also a safe place to be. A safe, happy and fun place for everybody. That’s a marvellous outcome from a simple action.

Bob Hutton, RUBC President

25 JANUARY

Margaret River Tennis Club Pride Night

“As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, it was important to me that we weren’t making a token gesture by throwing a Pride themed party to “show support”. Having Pride Cup come and chat to us, and having many resources supplied, the club has made a commitment to be an inclusive place all year round, not just one day of the year. A lot of our attendees were shocked at the stats presented in the education session, and are committed to making sure everyone feels welcome at MRTC. As we live in a very open and accepting part of the world, our members agreed that we get complacent and just assume that everyone feels comfortable being themselves openly - now we know there are small, important things we can do to show support. I genuinely think this experience will change the morale of the club, and we will keep working to be seen as a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ community and allies.”

Lucy Curtin, Margaret River Tennis Club

25 FEBRUARY

Holy Trinity Pride Cup

“At Holy Trinity Cricket Club, we believe that cricket—and all sport—should be a place where everyone feels welcome, included, and celebrated. Our ongoing support of the Pride Cup is a reflection of our commitment to diversity, respect, and equality in sport. We’re proud to stand alongside the LGBTQI+ community, fostering a culture where all players, supporters, and volunteers can be their authentic selves, both on and off the field. Together, we hope we’re building a stronger, more inclusive game for future generations.”

Carly O’Brien, Holy Trinity Cricket Club

A-Leagues Pride Celebration Round

“Playing football in the A-Leagues as an openly gay female athlete can be really inspiring for those, especially in the rainbow community themselves, watching. We can serve to show how amazing it is to express our identity and empower and celebrate who we are. Pride round creates a platform for visibility and representation of the rainbow community. It also celebrates the diversity of identity and sexuality. Efforts like pride round are crucial in the pursuit of dismantling homophobia and transphobia.”

Hannah Wilkinson, Melbourne City FC

Fencing Victoria Pride Round

“Hosting a Pride Cup was extremely significant for Fencing Victoria, as the first pride event in Australian fencing. It was attended by 13 teams of fencers, with some interstate participants, beginners, National Team members and those returning after years away from the sport. The Cup absolutely achieved its core goal, which was to demonstrate through action that Fencing Victoria was a safe space for all fencers.”

Courtney Buchanan, Fencing Victoria

8-10 MARCH 21 APRIL 18 MAY

Yarra Glen 10th Anniversary Pride Cup

“In celebrating the 10th Anniversary Pride Cup match at Yarra Glen, the club was filled with enormous pride in having been the originator of The Pride Cup. When we approach any new players, sponsors and supporters, we can not only make the claim that we are a welcoming, inclusive and diverse club, we have 10 years of proof.”

David Ball, Yarra Glen

Belconnen Magpies AFL

Canberra Pride Round

“Pride Round 2024 was a special occasion for the Belconnen Magpies. It became a pivotal part of the football calendar and brought out a strong sense of community within the club. We had incredible participation and support from across our club’s community, ensuring that inclusion is highly valued within Belconnen’s Culture.

The support we received from Pride Cup was unmatched and central to the success of our event. They provided our club with education sessions, materials and promotion for the round which enhanced its success. We cannot thank Pride Cup enough for their support. Inclusion requires the proactive removal of exclusion, and we believe that from the platform built in Pride Round 2024, our club will only grow stronger.”

Lizzie Silvester, Belconnen Magpies

16 JUNE

Grovedale Tigers Pride Cup

“Pride Round isn’t just for the players, it’s for everyone – our supporters and the wider community to spread awareness for diversity and inclusion. Our club is continually striving to create safe, welcoming environments for everyone so we can be free to express our true selves, and be proud of who we are as individuals, as a club and as a community”.

Rose Sleep, Grovedale Tigers

Inverloch Pride Cup

“It was such a privilege to be a part of the first pride round for the Gippsland Soccer League! The education by Hayley before our game was inclusive and helpful and I was so proud of how the league, our club and our players embraced the day.” Women’s Coach and Player Lindsey Ritchie

“Pride Cup were absolutely fantastic in helping us host our inaugural pride cup in our small country town. The education session prior was full of interesting conversations and practical solutions and strategies to our concerns as a club. We were able to start conversations and become a more inclusive club on the back of the great work of Pride Cup”

Alex Monacella, Inverloch Stars Captain 15 JUNE

6 JULY

Renegade Pub Football League Pride Round

Participating in Pride Round is a highlight of our team’s calendar. It’s a day when our league - already warm and inclusive on any day - manages to be even more inclusive. A highlight for me is seeing our queer players to lead the team in pre-game speeches, rev-ups and warm-ups. As a gay man who’s been with the team for a few years now, it brings me so much joy hearing from other queer players in our team during their speeches about how much it means to them to be able to be their authentic selves around their teammates. I never thought I’d feel safe enough to bring my boyfriend to watch me play footy, but thanks to initiatives like Pride Round, he’s just as much a part of the team as I am now!

Josh ‘Dentist’ Solomonsz, The Labour in Vain Pain (Renegade Pub Football League)

10 AUGUST

Marcellin FC Pride Round

“Pride Round allows us as a club to clearly communicate to all current, past and future members of the Marcellin community that they are welcomed, supported and celebrated whatever sexuality or gender identity.

The education session facilitated by Pride Cup, was a great opportunity for all people at the club to gain a better understanding of the experiences of the LGBTQI+ community and what can be done as a community to support these people.”

Luke Boyd, Marcellin Coach

10 AUGUST

Wodonga vs. Wangaratta

Inaugural Pride Cup

“It was a fantastic experience for Wodonga Bulldogs to be part of the first Pride Cup match in the Ovens and Murray football netball league in 2024 and there is support for Pride Cup matches to have an ongoing presence at the club.”

Jo Mathey, Wodonga Bulldogs

11 OCTOBER

AFLW Pride Round

““Something that we value – not just as a club, but as a playing group too – is bravery. Being one of the first clubs to put their hand up and support something like a (Pride Game) – that’s brave. It’s a similar link to the LGBTQIA+ community, in that being yourself and being your true identity – that’s hard, that’s brave. The way that we’ve designed our jumpers – we haven’t hidden in the background. We’ve been pretty bold with our colour choices and everything, which I think sort of reflects that community and is something that we value really highly as a Club.”

16 NOVEMBER

Murder City Roller Derby Pride Round

“At Murder City Roller Derby, we are committed to making a safe space for all queer and gender non conforming people. We are so proud and happy to amplify and broadcast this through our annual Pride Cup! We showcase our queer and gender non conforming skaters and officials, and invite those who’d like to join us from other Adelaide roller derby leagues as well. We hope that showcasing LGBTQIA+ sports encourages more people from the community feel safe to join in and get active!”

Charlie Beaty, Murder City Roller Derby

Isabella Grant, Western Bulldogs

Amplifying Voices, Challenging Injustice

In 2024, Pride Cup’s impact reached far beyond the field, gaining national media coverage in ABC, ABC Sport, Star Observer, The Age, and more.

We stood firm in responding to incidents of homophobia and transphobia at the highest levels of sport, ensuring these moments sparked meaningful conversations and accountability.

At the same time, we provided a platform for local activists, clubs, and volunteers to share their stories—showcasing the grassroots efforts driving real change in communities across the country.

By amplifying both the challenges and the triumphs, we are shifting attitudes, breaking down barriers, and proving that sport belongs to everyone.

Amplifying LGBTIQ+ Visibility and Allyship through Social Media

110K 14%

PEOPLE REACHED THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA DOUBLING OUR INSTAGRAM REACH FROM 2023

101%

GROWTH IN INSTAGRAM REACH SINCE 2023

INCREASE IN FOLLOWERS ACROSS OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS YEAR-ON-YEAR

209%

INCREASE IN ORGANIC FACEBOOK REACH SINCE 2023

$4,408

CITY2SURF:

We launched our first-ever Peer-to-Peer fundraiser, with four incredible runners taking on the 14km challenge and raising an impressive $4,408 for Pride Cup—proving that inclusion in sport starts with every step!

$6,122

GIVEOUT DAY:

GiveOUT Day is a dedicated national day of giving in support of LGBTQIA+ projects, witnessed an outpouring of generosity from our community. Your incredible contributions exceeded our expectations during GiveOUT Day. Pride Cup raised a total of $6,122.89.

Pilot Program Spotlight: Pride Cup Community Grants Program

In 2024, Pride Cup launched the Community Pride Cup Grants Program, to support regional Victorian sporting clubs to host their first-ever Pride Cup events.

With support from the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing through the Pride Events and Festivals Fund, this initiative provided 13 clubs with $1,000 grants, logistical support, and comprehensive inclusion resources. Many community clubs want to champion LGBTIQ+ inclusion but lack the financial means or expertise to do so. By covering key costs such as Pride-themed uniforms, guest speakers, and education sessions, we ensured that these clubs had everything they needed to create truly inclusive events.

The program’s impact was immediate and powerful. Over 4,000 people participated across these events, including nearly 4,000 spectators, 721 players, and 284 attendees in inclusion workshops. Each PrideGame event was more than just a match; it was a community-wide celebration featuring rainbow-themed uniforms, visible displays of support, and guest speakers sharing their lived experiences. These moments not only created safe and welcoming spaces but also initiated lasting cultural shifts within clubs, fostering meaningful discussions around LGBTIQ+ inclusion. Additionally, each participating club engaged in Pride Cup’s education sessions, equipping players, coaches, and staff with the knowledge and tools to actively promote inclusivity beyond game day.

Through this pilot, we refined our approach to supporting clubs, strengthening our understanding of what works and where additional support is needed. We developed tailored pre- and post-event surveys to capture impact, ensuring continuous improvement in our efforts. The overwhelmingly positive response from clubs has made it clear: this model works. As we look ahead, we are eager to expand the program, supporting even more clubs to take their first steps toward making sport a place where everyone truly belongs.

This program was generously supported by the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing Pride Events and Festivals Fund.

Club Highlights:

Wangaratta Rovers AFC

“We’re hoping it’s a perpetual trophy and we can do it again every year. It’s really good for the open women’s team to celebrate that, but it’s also good for the younger queer people to see it and to see that there’s so much acceptance and love.

Things might not be great right now, but it gets better, and I think our club is so accepting of everyone. The whole day was really lovely.”

-Amy Collins, Rovers’ women’s open age team leading games’ holder

Bass Coast Breakers AFC

“We love it [Pride Round]. It’s the round we look forward to all year. We take a lot of Pride in it. It’s really important to us because part of our values is being inclusive, having fun, and being social, and really showing that everyone is welcome.”

“Footy is a game for everyone.”

-Jenny Russo, Breakers Player

Grovedale Tigers AFC

“Grovedale Tigers are so proud to be involved in Pride Cup this year, and particularly excited that we were able to host for the first time. Our program has a relentless focus on creating a safe and open environment, supporting our ambition as a destination club for everyone. We achieve this because of the good humans involved, our culture and the standards we set and adhere to. Our Pride Cup matches were a great opportunity to celebrate Women’s footy, and inclusion – thank you for your support”.

-Taylah Hassett (she/her) Grovedale Tigers Senior Coach

Financial Snapshot

In a year of extraordinary financial hardship for many, we’re proud to have provided funding to 10 community clubs to host their own Pride Cups.

Our financial results reflect the cost-of-living pressures experienced by many. Despite lower than planned fundraising results, we were well positioned to re-sign all our major partners and maintain our core staff group. Tight financial management and new partner outreach meant that we are able to invest in new staff members in 2025, along with increased community club grants and enhanced monitoring and evaluation.

2024 saw Pride Cup secure a change to our charity sub-type and be recognised as a Public Benevolent Institute, capable of providing donors with deductible gift receipts. We hope to see this reflected in our fundraising growth in 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Advancing LGBTIQ+ Inclusion and Celebration

We’re serving up our most exciting year yet in 2025, with the bold goal of rallying 450 teams from every state and territory across the nation.

Starting with the Australian Open Pride Day on January 24, followed by the Geelong United WNBL team’s inaugural PrideGame event on January 29, we’re ready to dunk on discrimination and score big for LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport all year long. With Pride Cup activations hitting courts, fields, and tracks, we can’t wait to celebrate with you! If you’re thinking about hosting your own PrideGame, just give us a shout— we’ll help you get in the game and make it a smash hit.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting events we’re looking forward to in 2025:

Experiences of LGBTIQ+ Athletes in Women’s Sport Report with PwC

LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport often focuses on professional men, but the voices of LGBTIQ+ women are often overlooked. With PwC’s support, Pride Cup is documenting these experiences to highlight the challenges and contributions of LGBTIQ+ people across all levels of women’s sport. This new survey will be the first to gather these stories, driving inclusive actions to create safer, more welcoming environments for everyone in sport. Stay tuned for the full report in 2025!

Movember x Pride Cup grants

In 2025, Pride Cup and Movember will team up to tackle homophobia in sport by launching a Community Club fund. This initiative will support 15 men’s teams in hosting their first-ever Pride Cup event.

Participating clubs will receive a starter pack, free club-wide education and a $1,000 grant to kick-start their journey towards greater inclusivity. Keen to get involved? Stay tuned to our Instagram for more information.

Sydney FC Pride Game event 2025A-Leagues Pride Round

Sydney FC’s marquee Pride Cup event during the A-Leagues Pride Round is a landmark moment, with the club’s teams wearing a Pride kit for the first time. This initiative, led by the women’s team, highlights the club’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and visibility. The event also coincides with the launch of Sydney FC’s Pride membership, designed to support and engage LGBTQIA+ fans while promoting inclusion at Sydney FC matches.

Sydney FC continues to set a strong example of diversity and inclusion in Australian sport, and we’re looking forward to activating at the game and celebrating alongside our community.

Snow Foundation grants program

In partnership with The Snow Foundation, we’ve launched the Community Pride Cup Fund, offering grants of up to $1000 to 15 sports clubs in the ACT and Southern NSW for LGBTIQ+ inclusion events during 2025.

Apply now for funding to cover event costs like Pride uniforms, speakers, and more!

How to Get Involved:

Host a Pride Cup:

Bring inclusivity to your local sports community by hosting a Pride Cup event. If you’re looking to join an LGBTIQ+ friendly team, reach out to us for connections to welcoming sports clubs in your area.

Partner With Us:

Discover sponsorship opportunities that reflect your values and help support our mission. Contact us at info@pridecup.org.au to learn more about how your partnership can drive change.

Donate:

Your donations make a real difference, helping us create safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTIQ+ individuals in sport. Support Pride-themed rounds and education initiatives that champion inclusivity.

Share the Love:

Stay connected and engaged by following us on social media (@pridecup). Sharing our content spreads awareness and invites others to join the movement for a more inclusive sports culture.

Stay Updated:

Subscribe to our mailing list at pridecup.org.au or follow us on Instagram (@pridecup) to keep up with upcoming events and news.

Thank you for your support

In these challenging times for LGBTIQ+ communities globally, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our sponsors, partners, and the wider sporting community.

Your commitment to Pride Cup is more meaningful than ever, and it plays a vital role in creating inclusive and safe spaces and communities in sport.

A special thank you to Coles, NAB, Qantas, PwC, Government of Victoria, St Kilda Football Club, Tennis Australia, Hockey Victoria, Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United, LSKD, Snow Foundation, Crown Group, and Pressroom Philanthropy for standing with us.

To our LGBTIQ+ sporting community across Australia, your resilience and passion are the foundation of Pride Cup. We are excited to continue this journey together and create bigger, more joyful, rainbow events with you in 2025.

We also want to express our deep gratitude to our board and subcommittees for their tireless work, dedication, and love for sport. Your efforts make everything possible, and we thank you for your continued support.

“Our immense gratitude to outgoing Board Directors for their tireless efforts and thoughtful contributions: Cam Brown, Phil Doorgachurn, Kate Gill, and Claire Tenzer.”

Our Board:

Angus Lade (He/Him)

Rochelle Pattison (She/Her)

Kelly Townson (She/Her)

-Chair

Skinner

-Deputy Chair

Braden Hil (He/Him)

- Board Advisor

-Company Secretary

Evaluation and Impact Subcommittee

• Nam Agarwal

• Emily Greco

• Hari Ganesh Kumar

• Simone McDonald

• Andrew Thorpe

• Jason Ball

• Angus Lade

Finance and Partnerships Subcommittee

• Rochelle Pattison

• Kelly Townson

• Karen Skinner

• Colin Lai

Karen

(He/Him)

Jason Ball (He/Him)

“The Pride Cup football event held by Sandhurst FNC was personally significant to me as it showcased our collective commitment to inclusiveness and diversity, values that resonate deeply with me. The event was a tremendous success, with players and spectators of all ages, sexualities, and walks of life coming together to celebrate unity through sport. It not only brought our community closer but also reinforced our club’s dedication to being a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

The representation of our diverse community was particularly important, reflecting Sandhurst FNC’s core values and demonstrating that football is for everyone, regardless of background. This Pride Cup was a milestone for our club, solidifying our reputation as a leader in fostering a culture of respect and equality.”

- Ruby CampbellSandhurst FNC (Community Pride Cup Grants Program Club)