PLAY PROUD

Play Proud is a grassroots-driven program that works with all stakeholders in soccer to make communities and stadiums a safer space for the LGBTQ+ community. Play Proud transforms soccer clubs and organizations around the world by equipping coaches and staff with the skills and knowledge to ensure that LGBTQ+ inclusion is championed, on and off the pitch.

Play Proud recognizes that everyone has the ability to provide allyship and support to LGBTQ+ people. The program seeks to equip coaches, staff, and club representatives with the skills and knowledge to be mentors to LGBTQ+ youth, allies in their workplaces, and champions of inclusion in their communities.

Since the pilot project, Play Proud has expanded globally, training 50 coaches from 13 countries around the world. In 2020/2021, Play Proud trained 23 coaches from 7 countries across Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. In 2022, Common Goal is bringing together grassroot soccer organizations, fan groups and professional soccer clubs from the MLS, NWSL, USL, Liga MX, and CPL to UNITE the North American continent and promote LGBTQ+ inclusion ahead of the FIFA Men’s Football World Cup in 2026.