By PETER DOUGLAS
FORMER Carlton footballer Brock McLean is champing at the bit to play in this Sunday’s Pride Cup match.
McLean will don the red, black and rainbow for Yarra Glen in the club’s outing against Warburton Millgrove at Yarra Glen Recreation Reserve, as part of the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football Netball League event.
The match celebrates diversity and inclusion in sport for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI).
McLean said he was more than happy to throw his support behind the event.
“Inclusion and acceptance needs to start in community sports by allowing those who identify as LGBTI to feel OK to be themselves,” he said.
“Many young people grow up playing or watching community sports.
“It is important they feel safe and included, both on and off the field.”
Proceedings start at 12pm, with a pre-game lunch hosted by former Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett.
The event was initially instigated by coach Dean de Munk and assistant coach, Sam Hills, after Yarra Glen footballer, Jason Ball, came out as a gay footballer in 2012.
The Mail News Group is a media partner and supporter of the Pride Cup.
