Scorchers and Wildcats team up to celebrate Pride

Ahead of their Club’s respective Pride matches, Perth Scorchers bowler AJ Tye and Perth Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff stood united as allies of the of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. 

Through the fixtures in the WBBL, BBL and NBL the Scorchers and Wildcats continue their mission to ensure everyone is welcome in sport, through the promotion of inclusion and increased visibility of the queer community.

Perth Scorchers BBL|14 Pride Match will take place in the Club’s final home fixture against Adelaide Strikers at Optus Stadium on Saturday 18 January.

It will include players donning Pride accessories and symbols, rainbow assets across The Furnace, rainbow smoke during the iconic Scorchers runouts, and an innings-break set from prominent DJ Leask from Connections Nightclub.

Perth Wildcats Pride Game is on Friday 31 January against South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena, as part of the NBL's third annual Pride Round celebrating inclusion and diversity.

The Wildcats will turn The Jungle rainbow with themed seating, Champion's rainbow pride flag on-court and Pride player jerseys, along with several other activations on game night.

Wildcats players, coach and staff participated in a Pride in Sport information session in the lead-up to Pride Round, helping participants understand what makes a good ally and build other important skills.

Perth Scorchers are committed to better inform players and staff, holding education sessions and regular consultation to guarantee meaningful engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Comments attributable to Perth Scorchers Pride player ambassador AJ Tye:

“Sport should be enjoyed by all, no matter who you are, and we just want to get as many people involved in sport as we can.

“I take a lot of pride in being an ally for the queer community and it’s great to have another male team in the Wildcats standing alongside us.

“I have a daughter, and I want her to grow up in a world where she feels safe and comfortable to be whoever she wants to be.”

Comments attributable to Perth Wildcats Pride player ambassador Jesse Wagstaff:

“I think the Pride movement in sport is gaining momentum and awareness. Displaying that our game is inclusive, and people can be themselves is so important, and something we take great pride in.

“Joining forces with the Scorchers is phenomenal, we’ve got the same message that sport is inclusive for all.

“Sport is such an integral part of people’s lives and if we can make our games more diverse and have people feel more comfortable in expressing themselves, then that’s what it’s all about.”

PERTH SCORCHERS SQUAD FOR BBL GAME 10: Ashton Turner (c), Ashton Agar, Finn Allen (New Zealand), Mahli Beardman, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Bryce Jackson, Matt Kelly, Lance Morris, Matthew Spoors, Andrew Tye.

MATCH DETAILS 

KFC BBL|14 – Game 10 (Pride Match)
Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers
Saturday 18 January, first ball 5:15PM AWST
Optus Stadium, Perth
LIVE: Foxtel, Kayo Sports, SEN, ABC Sport

NBL – (Pride Round)
Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Friday 31 January, 6:30PM AWST
Perth Arena, Perth
LIVE: ESPN, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV