SEATTLE – The Seattle Seahawks have made a big move toward making sure football is accessible to everybody, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, an...

SEATTLE - The Seattle Seahawks have made a big move toward making sure football is accessible to everybody, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, and fighting the unfortunate stigma that some members of the LGBTQ community face on and around football fields.

The Seahawks have signed on as a sponsor of Cascade Flag Football Association, the Seattle area's LGBTQ-friendly league.

“We embrace the opportunity to support causes and organizations who encourage and celebrate a love of the game and foster a positive environment for people to connect with others in our community,” said Jeff Richards, Seahawks Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement. “We are proud to support the CFA and their commitment to an inclusive flag football league within the Seattle community.”

The league focuses on LGBTQ players, but anyone is welcome to play. That's the message that CFA hopes this new partnership will celebrate.

"It's basically telling everybody who is interesting in playing football that anyone can play regardless of your sexual orientation, your age, gender, and all that," Adam Vavrek of the CFA said.

The Seahawks official sponsorship includes financial support, as well as publicity and even access to special events, like training camp.

According to the Cascade Flag Football League, the partnership with the Seahawks is in line with other programs sponsored by other NFL teams. The Minnesota Vikings sponsor the Minnesota Gay Flag Football League (MNGFFL), and the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots sponsored the last two national Gay Bowl tournaments when they were hosted in their respective cities.