Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today that it will be hosting a Kickoff to Pride Month Celebration on Saturday, June 2, when the team welcomes Utah Royals FC to Yurcak Field for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets for the match are available now online or by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849).

“Sky Blue FC proudly takes a strong stance in the support of equality, respect and acceptance of all, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation,” said Tony Novo, Sky Blue FC President & General Manager. “We look forward to seeing everyone on June 2 to enjoy some great soccer while also coming together to promote equality and non-discrimination for all people.”

Pre-orders are now being taken for an exclusive 2018 Sky Blue FC Pride t-shirt, and fans can buy them in the team’s online shop. The cost of the t-shirt is $25, with $5 from every purchase being donated to the Pride Center of New Jersey through the end of June.

“The Pride Center of New Jersey greatly appreciates the support of Sky Blue FC in the advocacy for the LGBTIQ community,” said Vic Schimmenti, President of the Pride Center of New Jersey. “We want to wish Sky Blue FC the best of luck for the 2018 season!”

The Pride Center of New Jersey first opened its doors in 1994, and it has supported the needs of thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTIQ) people during that time. With a community center located in Highland Park, The Pride Center of New Jersey is a “safe place” for the LGBTIQ community that offers many resources while also providing an inviting social atmosphere.

Sky Blue FC will also be participating in the #MoreColorMorePride campaign on June 2, with the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs providing the Philadelphia Pride Flag to display at the match. Recently added to the flag are the colors brown and black, which is intended to represent people of color who are “marginalized, ignored or even intentionally excluded.”

Additionally, Garden State Equality will also be in attendance on June 2 to distribute information about its organization. Established in 2004, Garden State Equality is the largest LGBT advocacy organization in New Jersey and one of the most successful statewide civil rights organization for the LGBT community in the nation. The night before the Sky Blue FC Kickoff to Pride Month Celebration, the organization will host its annual Equality Ball with New Jersey Governor and Sky Blue FC co-owner Phil Murphy.

Before the Kickoff to Pride Month Celebration, Sky Blue FC will play a Wednesday road fixture with the Washington Spirt. The team will then return home to Yurcak Field courtesy of Coach USA to host Seattle Reign FC for a 7 p.m. kickoff this Saturday, May 26. Tickets for that match are available now online or by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849).

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