Chicago Fire FC’s Play Proud League is an inclusive, physically, and psychologically safe space, created for LGBTQ+ people, friends, and allies to compete and build community. Whether you are a soccer enthusiast or never kicked a ball, PPL is a place where everyone can be their authentic selves and enjoy the beautiful game.

Why Chicago Fire FC partnered with Common Goal to launch the Play Proud initiative and Play Proud League:

• 80% of adults have witnessed homophobia in sport
• 78% of people believe that an openly gay person wouldn’t be a safe spectator in sport
• The most common place for LGBTQ+ discrimination is a stadium
• 81% of gay men and 74% of lesbians stay completely in the closet when playing sport
• 95% of athletes said their teammates’ responses to them coming out were “neutral” to “perfect”

Learn more about the challenges LGBTQ+ people face and see the full Outsports report here.

In 2021, Chicago Fire FC became a founding partner of Common Goal’s Anti-Racist project, to address the structural and systematic problems that make football inaccessible and unwelcoming to marginalized communities. In 2022, the Club expanded its relationship with Common Goal to launch the Play Proud initiative – Common Goal’s grassroots-driven program that works with stakeholders at all levels of the game across the soccer industry to make our cities and stadiums a safer space for the LGBTQ+ community, their families, and friends.

Learn more about Common Goal and join the movement here.

Chicago Fire will be celebrating our annual Pride Night at Soldier Field on Saturday, June 10 against Columbus Crew SC. As part of Pride Night, players in the Play Proud League will receive a complimentary ticket to the match and will stand alongside FC Pineapple in unity. The Fire are looking forward to creating a lively night of unity, inclusivity, and celebrating what makes us all unique. Throughout the evening, Pride Night will feature special events, a flag giveaway, and activities planned to recognize the contributions of the LGBTQ community to soccer and beyond.