BEVERLY, Mass. - For the week of September 16-22, 2019, the Endicott women's soccer program, in partnership with the United Soccer Coaches LGBT & Allies Advocacy Group, will participate in the Play with Pride Week. 

The initiative, started three years ago by the United Soccer Coaches LGBT & Allies Advocacy Group, strives to demonstrate support and raise awareness for the LGBT community. Team across the country will show their support for athletes and coaches in the LGBTQ+ community by wearing rainbow laces. New this year, the LGBT & Allies Advocacy Group will also be conducting a "Proudest Program," social media contest. The winner will be selected from teams that tag United Soccer Coaches and use the hashtag #PlayWithPride on social media. 

COACHES QUOTES

Head coach Jodi Kenyon - "Play with Pride is a fantastic initiative that continues to increase LGBT awareness and acceptance in sport, and we are thrilled to be demonstrating our support in practices and matches during the week. Wearing the rainbow laces represents our support for coaches, student-athletes, referees, fans and support staff of all sexual orientations and gender identities. It is our hope that we continue to elevate awareness regionally by joining in this world-wide movement."

Assistant coach Christine Silva '13 - "It is an honor to be a part of the Playing with Pride Week. This initiative is important to us and our program as it helps to raise awareness and demonstrates our support of diversity and inclusion within the game, in our program, and in the Endicott community."

HOW TO SUPPORT

Members of the Endicott women's soccer team will be interacting with followers through the program's Instagram account throughout the week. Fans and supporters can follow along through the team's account (@EndicottWSOC). The Gulls travel to Wheaton (Mass.) to take on the Lyons on Wednesday and travel to Salve Regina on Saturday to kick off Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) play. 

At Endicott, The Alliance is a club that offers a safe space for LGBTQ+ students. The club meets on Mondays at 6:00 PM in AC 253.

For more information on the Play with Pride initiative, please visit the United Soccer Coaches page here.