THE TEAM WILL WEAR THE JERSEY FOR ITS PRIDE GAME, PRESENTED BY VOLKSWAGEN CANADA, ON FRIDAY, JUNE 9 AT YORK LIONS STADIUM
North York, ON — May 31, 2022 — York United FC of the Canadian Premier League today announced the launch of a limited-edition Pride jersey, to be worn by the club during its official Pride game, presented by Volkswagen Canada, on Friday, June 9 at York Lions Stadium against Atlético Ottawa.
The jersey, designed by the club in collaboration with Macron, features a subtle underlay that maps out the dimensions of Toronto’s Gay Village, the historic home of the city’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities at Church St. and Wellesley Ave. in Toronto’s downtown core, a long-time gathering place for diverse communities. In launching the Pride jersey, a first in the CPL, York United aims to acknowledge the historical and present-day impact of The Village, while amplifying and celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ voices and work.
The colourful design features Somersby Cider, part of the Carlsberg lineup, as front-of-jersey sponsor. Carlsberg, the CPL’s Official Beer and Non-Alcoholic Beer partners, became the front-of-jersey sponsor for York United beginning this season.
The limited-edition jerseys are available now, with 15 percent of the proceeds from each sale going towards integral 2SLGBTQ+ organizations in the community.
As a club, York United is committed to fostering a genuine, inclusive community and creating a safe space for everybody, united by a passion for sport.
“I’m very proud when we are able to deliver on promises that we make in the club’s mission, vision and value statements,” says Angus McNab, President/CEO and General Manager, York United.
“Visibility is crucial in getting a message across. The launch of our Pride jersey is one way we can show our commitment to being an inclusive and tolerant organization and providing a safe and welcoming space for all. We are United, and we want everyone to feel comfortable joining us in falling in love with our beautiful game.”
The launch of York’s limited-edition Pride jersey is just one of the ways the club will be celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community this year.
York United will amplify the voices and important work of various local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations, including The ArQuives, which acquires, preserves and secures a litany of materials pertaining to the compelling history of the 2SLGBTQ+ community right across the country; Downtown Soccer Toronto, the city’s official 2SLGBTQA+ recreational soccer league; The 519, a hub of The Village that provides much-needed support, services and initiatives to members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and more.
For each ticket sold to York United’s Pride game on June 9, Volkswagen Canada, the match’s presenting sponsor, will make a donation to The 519.
“Sports have provided a route to connection and community for many 2SLGBTQ+ communities,” says Aniska Ali, Director of Philanthropy.
“In the face of hateful rhetoric against 2SLGBTQ+, particularly in sports, it is critical that our allies rise up in support of 2SLGBTQ+ people. We are also thankful for the generous donation of Volkswagen Canada and York United FC who are helping to support the year-round programs at The 519 supporting 2SLGBTQ+ futures.”
Stay tuned to yorkunitedfc.canpl.ca and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest on our Pride celebrations.
