UWA, Westside Wolves, and Perth Pythons join forces for Pride Round Spectacular

UWA Superturf is set to become a Pride wonderland as the Stiles Electrical Premier League gears up to celebrate its Pride Round.

Amid celebrations for the LGBTQIA+ community, this year’s Pride Round will once again be headlined by what is set to be a thrilling double-header between UWA and Westside Wolves on Saturday 8 June.

Westside Wolves currently sit atop the ladder for both the Men’s and Women’s competitions off the back of a 2-2 draw and a 1-1 draw with Reds respectively.

Westside Wolves player Tom Andrew said the matches will be a pretty tough fixture.

“We’ve got two teams who are really trying to stay in the top five, so I think there’ll be a fair bit of fight in it,” he said.

“It’s always been a great battle and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun on Saturday.”

Andrew said the Wolves are also excited to debut their Pride kit, which features rainbow coloured player numbers and logos.

“I think it looks pretty good and we’re really excited to wear it on Saturday,” he said.

“We just want to showcase our sport as a sport that includes everyone.

“Everyone can pick up a stick and play with their mates.

“We’ve also had a long-standing relationship with the Perth Pythons and we want to continue that relationship and play for a cause that’s important.”

Both of UWA’s sides remain within the top five off the back of 4-0 win over Melville in the Women’s competition and a 2-4 loss to YMCC in the Men’s competition.

UWA player Britney Desilva said she was looking forward to what is set to be a tough battle and show support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I think [Pride Round] is so important because everyone should feel comfortable to come down and have a hit or just watch the games,” she said.

“Pride is such an important cause and I think it’s really nice that UWA gets to be a part of it once again and hopefully start some broader conversations.”

Festivities at the UWA Superturf will commence from 2.00pm, with various club and community stalls for Hockey WA, Westside Wolves and UWA, along with an inflatable goal and a photobooth.

In between the two Stiles Electrical Premier League matches will be a Hockey5s Mixed Exhibition match, featuring players from Perth Pythons, UWA and Westside Wolves.

The Perth Pythons will also be on hand to assist with the Pride festivities, including starting conversations around joining the club and how the club advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Perth Pythons player Nat Lucas said Pride Round is a great opportunity to showcase hockey as a safe space allowing people to be able to continue playing the sport they love.

“[Pride Round] is a really good way to showcase how amazing the sport is and how diverse and inclusive it can be,” they said.

“It’s really important because there’s a lot of people who sometimes don’t want to come back to the sport because they’re a little bit afraid, but we want to show that along with queer sporting clubs, regular sporting clubs like UWA and Westside Wolves are a safe space for us.

“We’re really excited and we love being involved every year.

“It’s a great way to foster a great relationship between all three clubs so it’s a really good time.”

It comes as Hockey WA continues to showcase hockey as an inclusive sport for all, with the recent acknowledgement through a Silver Level Certification from Pride in Sport Australia.

Perth Pythons were also acknowledged with Silver Level Certification.

"We're thrilled to host another Pride Round event this year during Pride Month," Hockey WA CEO Fabian Ross said.

"Hockey's inclusivity knows no bounds, making it a sport for everyone.

“This event, along with our recent Silver Level Certification from Pride in Sport Australia, and the Perth Pythons' achievement of Silver Level Certification, underscores our dedication to fostering a welcoming environment for the LGBTIQ+ community.”

The Stiles Electrical Premier League is also proudly supported by Joel Mitton of RE/MAX Extreme Real Estate.

Schedule of Events