TAMPA, Fla. – In conjunction with Wednesday’s celebration of International Pronouns Day, the United Soccer League announced beginning with the 2022 season, clubs and players across the USL Championship, USL League One, USL League Two, USL W League and USL Academy will have the opportunity to include pronouns embedded in the numbers on their team uniforms.
The new initiative, part of the USL’s Forever Proud Project, continues the league's commitment in this space as its professional and pre-professional leagues incorporate pronouns as part of a club’s on-field uniforms.
“Today, on International Pronouns Day, we’re excited to make this announcement ahead of the 2022 season,” said USL Sr. Vice President, Lizzie Seedhouse. “By introducing the pronouns numbers pack, it allows players to share their own pronouns in a different way, promote inclusivity and work towards creating gender affirming environments.”
All clubs from USL Championship down to Academy will have the option to implement the pronouns numbers pack for one match, one month, or the entire 2022 season. Players will have the option to have numbers with he/his, she/hers, they/theirs, he/his-she/hers, she/hers-they/theirs, they/theirs-he/his or all pronouns on the back of their kits.
As part of the launch, the USL’s social channels offered the chance for fans and players to get custom-made screen wallpapers, illustrating what the new numbers would look like in action next season.
Happy to have partnered with @uslchampionship to be a part of the International Pronouns Day Initiative!! Show that you’re #ForeverProud by going to the @USLChampionship’s tweet and drop your Name, Number, and Pronouns pic.twitter.com/6JH6hs3r0P
— Mikey López (@MLopez12_5) October 20, 2021
— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) October 20, 2021
— USL Super League (@USLSuperLeague) October 20, 2021
— USL League Two (@USLLeagueTwo) October 20, 2021
— USL W League (@USLWLeague) October 20, 2021
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) October 20, 2021
The pronouns numbers pack is the first of a series of pride jersey numbers, more of which will be introduced by the USL in the future to help raise awareness and support causes within the LGBTQ+ community.
Learn more about the USL’s Forever Proud Project, including information about partners and initiatives, by visiting www.uslsoccer.com/forever-proud.