9/18/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
CONWAY - Coastal Carolina women's soccer team will show their support for athletes and coaches of all sexual orientations by wearing rainbow colored laces on Friday, Sept. 22 against Sun Belt opponent Troy. Play With Pride is a new initiative from United Soccer Coaches (formerly the NSCAA) developed by the association's LGBT Coaches and Allies Member Group. "This initiative is important to me as I have family members and colleagues who are a part of the LGBT community, " said Head Coach Paul Hogan. "It is a great way for us to show our support as we stand alongside them as an inclusive family".
From September 18-24, players and coaches are encouraged to wear the rainbow laces during matches and post on social media with the hashtag #PlayWithPride to promote their team's participation in Play With Pride week. "Our association has the amazing ability to unite every coach at every level at every field across the nation," said United Soccer Coaches CEO Lynn Berling-Manuel. "Play With Pride is one more way to highlight the enormous diversity and inclusiveness of both our association and our sport." "Soccer is an amazingly diverse sport," adds Dan Woog, chair of the United Soccer Coaches LGBT Coaches and Allies Member Group. "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."
