Launched five years ago by former North Carolina FC standout Austin da Luz, the Playing for Pride initiative will again feature numerous players across the country this month, including those currently featuring in the USL Championship and League One.

The campaign in association with Athlete Ally – which sees players make donations to LGBTQ+ initiatives nationally and in their local communities, and asks fans to match them based on their performances in games during June – was officially launched on Wednesday afternoon by Birmingham Legion FC player and current U.S. Soccer Players’ Council member Mikey Lopez. 

Lopez is one of 13 currently active players and coaches in the USL Championship, League One and League Two taking part in this year’s initiative, and you can donate directly to the United Soccer League’s page throughout the month.

Joining them are numerous supporters’ groups across the country, including OKC Energy FC group Main Street Greens, which in 2018 became the USL Championship’s first LGBTQ+ oriented supporters’ group.

Players and Coaches

Kyle Adams, San Diego Loyal FC

Matt Bahner, El Paso Locomotive FC

Jamie Dell, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Sam Gleadle, Monterey Bay F.C.

Miguel Ibarra, Charlotte Independence

Dekel Keinan, Las Vegas Lights FC

Duke Lacroix, Sacramento Republic FC

Mikey Lopez, Birmingham Legion FC

Collin Martin, San Diego Loyal SC

Brent Richards, Orange County SC

Jalen Robinson, Loudoun United FC

Ben Willis, Coach, Ballard FC

Zach Zandi, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Supporters’ Groups

AFC Ann Arbor – Main Street Hooligans – Ozone House

Asheville City FC – South Slope Blues – Campaign for Southern Equality

Birmingham Legion FC – Magic City Brigade – Magic City Acceptance Center

Charleston Battery – The Regiment – We Are Family

Des Moines Menace – The Society DSM – Iowa Safe Schools

Detroit City FC – Northern Guard Supporters – Ruth Ellis Center

Fort Wayne FC – Three Rivers Regiment – Indiana Youth Group

Forward Madison FC – The Flock – GSAFE

Hartford Athletic – The Bonanza – Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective

Greenville Triumph SC – Reedy River Riot – Upstate Pride SC

Indy Eleven – Brickyard Battalion – Indiana Youth Group

Little Rock Rangers – The Red Watch – Lucie's Place

Louisville City FC – LouCity Ladies & Los Morados - Louisville Pride Foundation

Memphis 901 FC – Bluff City Mafia – OUTMemphis

Minneapolis City SC – Model Citizens – RECLAIM!

New Mexico United – The Curse – Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico

OKC Energy FC – Main Street Greens – Freedom Oklahoma

PDX FC – Black Hearts Union – Portland Community Football Club

Phoenix Rising FC – Union 602 & Los Bandidos – one•n•ten

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – Steel Army – Persad Center

Sacramento Republic FC – Tower Bridge Battalion – Lavender Library

San Diego Loyal SC – The Locals / Rainbow Locals & Chavos de Loyal -  TransFamily Support Services

Tampa Bay Rowdies – Ralph’s Mob – Metro Inclusive Health

Toledo Villa FC – Black Swamp Brigade – Equality Toledo

FC Tulsa – 83 United – Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

Union Omaha – Omaha Parliament – PFLAG Omaha