York City Knights support Pride

The Betfred League One high-fliers say they want to strengthen their partnership with Pride for 2018, and have invited the public to an afternoon celebrating equality and diversity on the weekend of the event.

York Pride starts on Saturday, June 9, outside the Minster at about 11.45am, arriving at Knavesmire at about 1pm for an afternoon of celebrations, and Knights mascot Norris The Knight and members of the squad will be taking part in the parade along with thousands of others.

The following day, Sunday, June 10, the Knights take on Workington Town at Bootham Crescent, and have invited the LGBT+ community to attend the game and continue the weekend's celebrations.

As part of the day, organisers of York Pride will be the Knights' guests at the match and it is hoped members of the LGBT+ community will carry flags before the 3pm kick-off - both Knights and rainbow banners.

Greg Stephenson, chair of York Pride said: "We are pleased to continue building our relationships across the city, particularly with York City Knights.

"Our 2013 theme was around being 'out in sport' and since then progress has been made locally and nationally but still more can be done.

"It’s great for us to extend our Pride celebrations across the weekend and we look forward to cheering the Knights on with pride."

On the pitch, Knights players will sport Rainbow laces in their boots, as part of Stonewall's popular growing campaign for equality and inclusivity in sport.

Jon Flatman, York City Knights chairman, said his staff and players were proud to be linked with the annual event.

He said: "York Pride is a fantastic event with an unrivalled atmosphere and attendees who travel from all over to enjoy our fantastic city.

"For our club to work with Pride to add to the offer in York is a huge accolade and one we continue to build upon each year.

"We look forward to contributing to Saturday’s parade and to hosting our guests on Sunday. A fantastic weekend awaits."