(Cricket news) AFL legend Laidley joins Perth Scorchers bowler Andrew Tye, the Club’s Pride player ambassador, ahead of the BBL|13 Crown Pride Match against Sydney Sixers at Optus Stadium on Tuesday 16 January.
Through the annual fixture in the Weber Women’s Big Bash League and KFC Big Bash League, the Club continues its mission to ensure everyone is welcome in the sport, through the promotion of inclusion and increased visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community.
Now in his second season as Scorchers Pride player ambassador, Tye is proud to be an ally working towards a more inclusive future for the game where everyone feels comfortable to be their authentic self.
Danielle Laidley (birth name Dean Laidley) played 151 games for West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne football clubs, winning an AFL premiership with the Kangaroos in 1996.
She became one of the youngest senior coaches in history at 36, coaching North Melbourne for 149 games across seven seasons from 2003 to 2009.
Diagnosed with gender dysphoria in midlife, Laidley is now an advocate for transgender people, raising awareness in a quest for acceptance of diversity.
WA Cricket is committed to holding education sessions for its players and staff, while consulting regularly with the LGBTQIA+ community to guarantee meaningful engagement and progress.
Ahead of the BBL|13 Crown Pride Match, the Perth Scorchers and WA women’s squads and staff gathered at Optus Stadium for an information session with Laidley, to discuss her life journey and wider diversity issues.
Crown is a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and being a naming partner for the Perth Scorchers Pride Matches reflects its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
The BBL|13 Crown Pride Match will be a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, including players donning Pride accessories and symbols, rainbow assets across Optus Stadium and the pitch, rainbow smoke during the iconic Scorchers runouts, and an innings-break set from prominent DJ Leask from Connections Nightclub.
Limited-edition rainbow Pride hats and caps are also available for click and collect at the match.
Comments attributable to Perth Scorchers Pride Ambassador Danielle Laidley:
“It’s a great privilege to be named Perth Scorchers Pride Ambassador.
“It’s all about education, so that we can break down barriers for the next generation and live our lives the best way we possibly can, as the best people we can be.
“You can’t be what you can’t see, and to have the Scorchers hosting a Pride match is absolutely fantastic for the whole rainbow community.
“The Scorchers really are pioneers in this space.”
Comments attributable to Perth Scorchers Pride Player Ambassador Andrew Tye:
“I’m very proud to be in my second year as a Pride player ambassador for the Scorchers.
“It’s a great way to drive inclusivity in the sport and create a safe place for everyone to come and enjoy cricket and be involved in such a wonderful game that’s personally given me so much.
“No one should ever be sidelined because they feel like they can’t be themselves.”
Perth Scorchers Memberships and tickets for every Perth Scorchers KFC BBL|13 match are now available. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Orange Army this season.
MATCH DETAILS
BBL|13 Crown Pride Match
Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers
Tuesday 16 January. Optus Stadium, 4:40PM WST
LIVE: CH7, Foxtel, Kayo, Cricket.com.au, ABC Grandstand
Also read: Santosh Trophy final round to begin on February 21
