DCMS Play With Pride
The Defiance College Men’s Soccer team joined high school and college teams across the nation in the United Soccer Coach’s Play with Pride week. From September 18-24, soccer teams across the nation would show their support for players and coaches who identify as LGBTQ by switching out their shoe laces for rainbow colored ones. The Jackets changed their laces for their HCAC-opener versus Franklin on September 30th where the boys also brought home a victory, beating the Grizzlies 2-0.
Dan Woog, a chair of the United Soccer Coach’s LGBT Coaches and Allies Member Group, speaks on the widespread diversity within the world of soccer. He states that, “diversity includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender coaches, players, support staff, referees and fans. This is a simple, effective and very colorful way to send the message that every person, associated with every team, is valued and respected.”
Nick Kleptz, a senior for the Yellow Jackets, stated that “the reason we chose to participate in this event was that we wanted to support the LGBTQ community. What better way than to support the cause while doing what we all love to do as well”.
Professional teams have also participated in showing their support for the LGBTQ community as well. For example, in June the US Men’s and Women’s National teams wore jerseys with rainbow numbers to show their support.
For more information regarding Playing with Pride, please visit https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/web/web/News/Articles/August_2017/United_Soccer_Coaches_launches_Play_With_Pride_initiative.aspx.
Written by Jordan Osborne
