York United Unveils Pride Kits, Will Platform 2SLGBTQ+ Voices

York United has unveiled a gorgeous Pride Kit amidst a significant club initiative that will see the club platform 2SLGBTQ+ community voices, too.

Fans keen to see the Nine Stripes don the new kit won’t have long to wait: the club will suit up with them on Friday, June 9 for its official Pride Game against Atletico Ottawa, with a portion of ticket sales going The 519 – an organization which provides services, resources, accommodation, and mentorship to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

York United’s commitment to inclusivity goes beyond a well-designed kit and a single night of spotlights: the club will be platforming voices from a number of key Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ voices over the season, including The ArQuives, Downtown Soccer Toronto, and some iconic Gay Village locations such as the Glad Day Bookstore and The 519.

“I’m very proud when we are able to deliver on promises that we make in the club’s mission, vision and value statements,” added Club President Angus McNab.

“You can hide behind various statements but visibility is crucial in getting a message across. This is us acknowledging that words aren’t enough when it comes to certain topics. The launch of our Pride jersey is our way of saying that we are an inclusive and tolerant organization, our stadium is a safe space for all, and that we want everybody to join us and fall in love with the beautiful game that we all adore.”

Turning focus to the kit itself, it’s quite a nice look with some good design thought behind it: the underlay on the front actually maps out the dimensions of the Yonge and Wellesley core, with a design that pays clear homage Toronto’s Gay Village.

“This is one of the most rapidly-changing neighbourhoods in all of Canada”, added historian Adam Wynne. “Almost every single block has at least one redevelopment happening. But it’s very important to acknowledge both the history of the space and the importance of 2SLGBTQ+ voices.”

That history, as the club will explore through its platformed voices, has plenty of tragedy behind it – but recognition of that is a key part in representing a crucial segment of the club’s community.

With Somersby Cider (a subsidiary of Carlsberg) as the front-of-kit sponsor, the York United Pride Kits are a sharp look for a club already spoiled with some great threads.

It’s also nice to see that while the club endeavours to secure new ownership under league guidance, the club has – as promised by McNab – continued to operate in its usual fashion.

York United has found itself in a sharp run of form as its injury crisis absolved, with the club recording back-to-back wins against the Halifax Wanderers and Cavalry FC, who were both undefeated prior to facing the Nine Stripes this season.