Championing LGBTQ+ Inclusion on and off the pitch

In celebration of Pride, we spoke with Chelsea Wood, Director of Programs and Operations at Soccer in the Streets, about how the organisation is working to make soccer a more inclusive space for LGBTQ+ players, coaches, and communities.  

Soccer in the Streets is one of a number of organisations who have taken part in Play Proud, Common Goal’s grassroots-driven program that works with all stakeholders in soccer to make safer spaces for LGBTQ+ communities.   

Since its launch in 2019, Play Proud has trained champions from 98 professional clubs, community organisations, and fan supporters groups across North America, totaling nearly 100,000 training hours.

From intentional training to community-driven programming, Chelsea opened up on how inclusion is being embedded at every level at Soccer in the Streets. 

Common Goal: How does Soccer In The Streets work to create LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces?

Chelsea Wood: Soccer in the Streets believes that the game can create truly transformative experiences and be used as a tool for good in so many ways.

One area we are working to create more inclusive spaces is in our adult leagues. We have a women's and non-binary league which has taken off and become a great success and we're looking forward to the continued growth of that league.  

As for our youth programs, we are focusing heavily on coach training and resources for the upcoming season.

We're excited to work collaboratively with staff, partners, and coaches to create tools that will best prepare and equip our team to create inclusive spaces for all of our youth. This level of continuous training and development will continue throughout the year. 

CG: How important is it for you that Soccer in The Streets takes LGBTQ+ inclusion seriously?

CW: I think it's extremely important for our organisation to take inclusivity seriously. We care so much about our youth learning how to connect with each other, connect with coaches, grow more confident, and find true joy in the game.

In order for that to happen, our youth need to know they have safe spaces to play but also safe spaces in relationships. That is why we are really focused and committed to the training and support component as much as we are the processes.

CG: What did you learn from your involvement in Play Proud that you have been able to implement?

CW: I learned that I have so much to learn!

The Play Proud experience truly transformed how I view so many things, but I think the most powerful part was meeting such amazing people doing such incredible work.

Fighting the good fight can be lonely at times, and the Play Proud experience connected me and the organisation to so many others who are trailblazing.

My perspectives on inclusivity were challenged and developed to look beyond just a policy or statement. I learned so much about the power of intention and the importance of consistency. I know and believe that we do this work together, and how cool it is that we get to use the beautiful game to create a world where all belong and have the opportunity to thrive. 

CG: Are there specific programs or initiatives you’ve developed or supported that directly address homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia in the context of youth soccer?

CW: We are currently in the process of formulating a coaching training experience all around LGBTQ+ inclusivity. We are also reframing and developing policies and procedures around our recruiting/hiring processes and organisational culture.  

CG: How does inclusive soccer contribute to stronger, more resilient communities—especially in the cities or neighbourhoods you work in?

CW: Soccer in the Streets values community-centric approaches.

We listen to and work alongside the communities we serve, shaping programs that reflect their unique needs and strengths. Through local engagement, we build trust and foster sustainable, positive change through a three-pronged approach to building soccer communities. 

We identify underserved neighborhoods that have transit, school and community organisations that are willing to partner in our effort to strategically identify soccer locations that build ecosystems of schools, community partners, and Station Soccer locations.

We work side by side with community leaders that seek to target areas that combat challenges such as affordability, transportation, or lack of access to sports-based youth development programs. Through this, we get to work with these communities to create lasting change.

CG: What does an inclusive environment mean to you?

CW: Inclusive environments are places where someone can belong and not just participate.

It is where someone can try, be, and explore and have opportunities to learn from each other in places overflowing with compassion and support.

Personally, I'm so lucky to be a part of an organisation that creates these spaces. I can come as I am and become more than I ever imagined.

We're forever grateful that our team is committed to creating this same experience for youth and adults around the city of Atlanta. 

Read more about Soccer in the Streets at: https://www.soccerstreets.org/

You can find out more information about Play Proud at: https://www.common-goal.org/CollectiveProject/Details/Play-Proud