For the first time in club history, Toronto FC will host Pride Night on Friday, June 23 during their match versus the New England Revolution. The night supports MLS WORKS’ Don’t Cross The Line campaign, which emphasizes the league’s commitment to end discrimination of any kind and promotes an atmosphere of diversity, equality and inclusion throughout the soccer community. In addition, Toronto FC has partnered with You Can Play, an organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ athletes, coaches and fans.
“Toronto FC is honoured to welcome fans to BMO Field on Pride Night,” said Bill Manning, President, Toronto FC. “Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is an organization that prides itself on being inclusive; no matter a person’s race, religion, age, creed or sexual orientation.”
Throughout the day, Toronto FC will promote inclusion in sport in a variety of ways. Members of You Can Play will be hosted and involved in pre-match ceremonies including the match ball delivery and Toronto FC’s June community MVP presentation to player Jozy Altidore. During the match, a You Can Play table will be set up in the concourse to provide fans with more information about the cause and a public service announcement featuring Toronto FC players and coaches will be shown in-arena and shared on Toronto FC digital media channels. In addition, $5 from every ticket purchased at http://torontofc.ca/ticketpass using the promo code YOUCANPLAY will be donated to You Can Play.
“Partnering with Toronto FC to host this Pride Night is showing players, coaches, and fans in Toronto and across MLS that discrimination of any kind has no place in soccer, because if you can play, you can play,” said Jillian Svensson, Vice President, Development & Operation, You Can Play.
For more information about You Can Play, click here. Fans can support MLS WORKS’ Don’t Cross the Line campaign by taking the pledge here.
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About the You Can Play Project:
You Can Play works to ensure safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ athletes, coaches and fans. You Can Play believes sports teams should focus on the athlete’s skills, work ethic, and competitive spirit, not their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. More information about You Can Play can be found at youcanplayproject.org.
About Don’t Cross the Line:
Major League Soccer is dedicated to supporting the communities where we live and play our games, and to providing an environment in which our staff, clubs, players partner and supports are treated with dignity and respect. Don’t Cross the Line emphasizes the League’s commitment to end discrimination of any kind and promotes an atmosphere of diversity, equality and inclusion throughout the soccer community.