New England Patriots Sponsor Providence Gay Flag Football League — Commissioner Joins LIVE
Friday, September 27, 2019
Providence Gay Flag Football League Commissioner Duane Gosley appeared on GoLocal LIVE to talk about the announcement this week that the New England Patriots are now sponsoring the Providence Gay Flag Football League.
“The recognition from the NFL and the Patriots really goes a long way towards recognizing what our league does for the community,” said Gosley. “The fact that we have 160 people and we’re all NFL fans — most of us are Patriots fans — and that they’re going to support the LGBTQ community and be a partner for us is just fantastic.”
Gosley noted that the league does not discriminate — 85% of the participants identify as LGBTQ, along with allied teammates.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“The reception in Providence and Rhode Island has been outstanding. The league is 85% LGBTQ — we have 20% women, 20% people of color, and we’re really proud to say that we have 8% transgender people in the group. We’ve worked really hard to create a safe space and make this an opportunity for everybody in the community.”
Patriots on Record — and More on League
“We’re happy to once again be partnering with the FLAG Flag Football league [in Boston] and are thrilled that there is now a Providence league as part of Patriots nation,” said Josh Kraft, president of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation. “Both leagues represent the vision of LGBTQ inclusiveness and marriage equality that the Patriots embrace.”
The bulk of the sponsorship will be used to make the league more affordable to players who may not be able to participate otherwise. Additionally, funds will go towards the league’s participation in the 2019 Gay Bowl in New York City, keeping costs low in order to make the experience available to as many players as possible.
"Our league, in its first year, has already had an incredible impact on the Rhode Island LGBTQ community,” said Gosley. “With support from the New England Patriots, we will be able to increase our recruitment and outreach programs within our local community. The Patriots sponsorship sends a powerful message recognizing the benefits leagues like ours have to improve the health and well-being of the community we serve."
The recreational football clubs strive to build relationships and break down stereotypes between LGBTQ and allied teammates and foster an environment where LGBTQ persons can learn about and participate in a team sport - many for the first time in their lives. This fall, 24 teams and more than 350 players in Boston and 11 teams and 162 participants in Providence will compete weekly in their respective cities. Additionally, 8 travel teams between the two cities will attend tournaments nationwide, including Gay Bowl XIX in New York City.
For more information on the Providence league, go to www.pvdgffl.org.
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