The attendance of past and present players from Leeds United makes Leeds Pride the first UK Pride event to have Premier League footballers in attendance.
Leeds United is a premium sponsor of the event, for the second time, but this will be the first time players have attended the Pride Weekend.
Luke (Bill) Ayling, Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear and former Leeds United playesr Jermaine Beckford and Noel Whelan will all be in attendance, appearing with members of Marching Out Together and other Leeds United supporters.
Angus Kinnear the Leeds United CEO, issued a statement to explain why he looking forward to attending his first Pride event here in Leeds: “The Leeds United players and directors all send their best wishes to Marching Out Together and everyone associated with Leeds Pride. We do hope fans will come along and join us or watch the Parade pass through the city – it is a great opportunity to show our support to the LGBT+ community.
“Everyone will be meeting at 1.30pm, as the parade assembles on Cookridge Street and Portland Crescent. Please look out for the Leeds United shirts and the Marching Out Together flags!”
Leeds United has also reported that a number of members of the first team have recorded messages to show their support for Marching Out Together. Captain Liam Cooper said: “I am proud to captain a club that not only supports Leeds Pride, but also works throughout the year with Marching Out Together, to make sure that everybody at Elland Road feels welcome.”
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And Dan James too 😄🥳🏳️🌈⚽️ pic.twitter.com/PId6qu4Lx7
— Marching Out Together (@MarchingoutLUFC) August 2, 2022
The news was announced on Facebook by the Leeds LGBT+ Pride page earlier this week:
“Looks like we’ll be making history at the weekend! We’re the first UK Pride event to have current and past Premier League footballs attending. Huge moment for football and it’s support to breakdown barriers and we’d like to thank Leeds United for taking a huge step as LGBT+ allies.
“Here are the thoughts of WIGGY, Chair, MOT Marching Out Together: “This Sunday sees Leeds pride return for the 1st time in 3 years and I cannot wait. For the second time in their history, Leeds United are a premium sponsor of the event.
“The importance of having Leeds United sponsor the event is massive – a powerful visible statement showing Leeds United not only welcome everyone at Elland Road, but want to be seen to support the wider local LGBT+ community.
“Marching Out Together will be joined on the pride march by staff and officials from Leeds United. And in a huge statement of solidarity, for the first time in Pride history, an active Premier League player will be marching at a pride parade.
“Luke Ayling (“Bill”) will proudly stand side by side with Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear and former stars Jermaine Beckford and Noel Whelan along with Marching Out Together members and other Leeds United fans.
“We can’t wait to see everyone at the march on Sunday. Please do come along, bring your friends and family, have a fun day and be part of Pride history with Luke Ayling and former stars.”
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For more information about Leeds Pride 2022, visit the Leeds LGBT Pride Facebook page.
Feature Image- Leeds United
