By Jed Lanyon
Yarra Glen Football Netball Club hosted the seventh annual Pride Cup on Saturday 8 May in what has now become a significant tradition for sporting clubs across Australia.
In 2013, when Yarra Glen footballer, and future Young Victorian Australian of the Year Jason Ball came out as gay to his mates, they responded by holding a ‘Pride Game’ to show their
support.
What began as a rainbow 50m line and a Pride Cup on offer for the winner, was the
beginning of what is now, a national movement of local sporting communities working hard
to change the culture around LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport.
Yarra Glen, who have been undefeated in each Pride Cup, kept their perfect record intact as the River Pigs enjoyed a 21 point win over Powelltown.
A recent study by VicHealth and Monash University measured the impact of the Pride Cup program and resources, proving not only to be a financial success in drawing large crowds but for making social improvements at a club environment.
Only 11 per cent of males from Pride Cup clubs reported that their coach had used homophobic language in the past two weeks, compared to 30 per cent of non-Pride Cup clubs.
The report found, 38 per cent of Pride Cup players witnessed their teammates use homophobic language in the past two weeks, compared to 73 per cent at non-Pride Cup clubs.
While 38 per cent of Pride Cup players surveyed felt they were likely to witness teammates using homophobic language in the future, compared to 57 per cent at non-Pride Cup clubs.
