Cary, NC (May 5, 2017) – The North Carolina Football Club announced a series of initiatives in support of the LGBTQ community, culminating in two Pride Nights at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, June 17 and Saturday, June 24.
“We believe that soccer is for everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation,” said North Carolina Football Club President and GM, Curt Johnson. “By providing a safe and inclusive environment at the stadium and through our planned initiatives, we hope to show that all are welcome to our games.”
The initiatives include participation in several LGBTQ events, starting with OUT! Raleigh this Saturday, May 6, as well as fundraising initiatives, merchandise sales and ticket proceeds from the club’s two Pride Nights benefitting the Human Rights Campaign – Triangle Chapter and Equality NC.
Pride Week kicks off on Saturday, June 17 with the first of two Pride Nights as the NC Courage take on the Boston Breakers at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The following Monday, June 19, NCFC and NC Courage players will be celebrity bartenders at downtown Raleigh nightclub Legends from 7 to 10 p.m. The week will end with the second Pride Night on Saturday, June 24 as North Carolina FC faces Indy Eleven at 7:30 p.m.
Other events are planned throughout the week and will be announced as they are finalized.
Last season, the club raised over $4,000 to benefit Equality NC through a special jersey auction and tailgate events. This year, the club plans to donate proceeds from pride-specific merchandise and ticket sales. Fans interested in purchasing tickets to either Pride Night can purchase online using the code PRIDE17 to enjoy a discount and ensure that a portion of ticket sales will benefit the Human Rights Campaign – Triangle Chapter and Equality NC. Pride merchandise and tickets to the games will also be available at the North Carolina Football Club table at OUT! Raleigh this Saturday, May 6, at Raleigh City Plaza from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additionally, NCFC midfielder Austin da Luz started a fundraising campaign pledging to donate $2 per game played, $3 per start, $4 per assist, and $5 per goal to the Human Rights Campaign, asking fellow soccer players and fans to do the same. Since the campaign started in April, over 30 soccer players from different leagues around the world, including players from both NCFC and NC Courage have joined and the campaign has raised over $5,000 so far.
"The response to Playing for Pride has been incredible,” said da Luz. “I'm very excited about what the club has in store for Out! Raleigh and Pride Week. We want to be a beacon of inclusion in our community, and these events are great steps toward achieving that goal."
For more information about Playing for Pride, follow the campaign on Twitter @PlayingForPride or visit www.crowdrise.com/playing-for-pride
Cary, NC (May 5, 2017) – The North Carolina Football Club announced a series of initiatives in support of the LGBTQ community, culminating in two Pride Nights at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, June 17 and Saturday, June 24.
“We believe that soccer is for everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation,” said North Carolina Football Club President and GM, Curt Johnson. “By providing a safe and inclusive environment at the stadium and through our planned initiatives, we hope to show that all are welcome to our games.”
The initiatives include participation in several LGBTQ events, starting with OUT! Raleigh this Saturday, May 6, as well as fundraising initiatives, merchandise sales and ticket proceeds from the club’s two Pride Nights benefitting the Human Rights Campaign – Triangle Chapter and Equality NC.
Pride Week kicks off on Saturday, June 17 with the first of two Pride Nights as the NC Courage take on the Boston Breakers at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The following Monday, June 19, NCFC and NC Courage players will be celebrity bartenders at downtown Raleigh nightclub Legends from 7 to 10 p.m. The week will end with the second Pride Night on Saturday, June 24 as North Carolina FC faces Indy Eleven at 7:30 p.m.
Other events are planned throughout the week and will be announced as they are finalized.
Last season, the club raised over $4,000 to benefit Equality NC through a special jersey auction and tailgate events. This year, the club plans to donate proceeds from pride-specific merchandise and ticket sales. Fans interested in purchasing tickets to either Pride Night can purchase online using the code PRIDE17 to enjoy a discount and ensure that a portion of ticket sales will benefit the Human Rights Campaign – Triangle Chapter and Equality NC. Pride merchandise and tickets to the games will also be available at the North Carolina Football Club table at OUT! Raleigh this Saturday, May 6, at Raleigh City Plaza from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additionally, NCFC midfielder Austin da Luz started a fundraising campaign pledging to donate $2 per game played, $3 per start, $4 per assist, and $5 per goal to the Human Rights Campaign, asking fellow soccer players and fans to do the same. Since the campaign started in April, over 30 soccer players from different leagues around the world, including players from both NCFC and NC Courage have joined and the campaign has raised over $5,000 so far.
“The response to Playing for Pride has been incredible,” said da Luz. “I’m very excited about what the club has in store for Out! Raleigh and Pride Week. We want to be a beacon of inclusion in our community, and these events are great steps toward achieving that goal.”
For more information about Playing for Pride, follow the campaign on Twitter @PlayingForPride or visit www.crowdrise.com/playing-for-pride