Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Western Pride

Western Pride are asking supporters to forego their usual green shirts for yellow this Saturday in support of The Late Alison Baden-Clay Children’s Trust Fund.

Pride will swap their iconic green and white hoops in favour of a yellow and blue kit for their senior match against FNQ FC Heat as part of the Yellow Hearts Day initiative.

Proceeds from a gold coin entry will be donated to the trust fund established for the education and future expenses of the late mother’s three daughters.

Pride General Manager Pat Boyle said that like many other Queenslanders the tragedy that befell the Baden-Clay family touched him personally.

“When I first saw the documentary regarding the verdict, my first initial thought was what can we do to assist these three girls,” he explained.

“Pride has been set-up to give the children of this region a product and to give back to the community. Just because these children don’t physically play football, they are still part of our community.”

“It’s well known that this region bands together through thick and thin. If you come from our region then Pride stands side by side with you," Boyle explained.

Adding that the club couldn’t wasn’t standing alone in the initiative, Boyle highlighted the assistance provided by sponsors for the Yellow Heart Day.

“I spoke with Bruce Leggatt at Uhlsport and he loved the idea to the point where he has given us a yellow strip,” he said.

“It just escalated from there, in four hours we had a donated strip with yellow match balls through to fireworks from All Fired Up Fireworks.”

“We also have Magical Memorabilia donating auction items. River 949 are coming on board, the Queensland Times in Ipswich, the Ripley Valley Fire Brigade are bringing trucks out.”

“We’re going to have jumping castles, face painters, you name it - we’re making it a family day because that is what Alison was all about,” he concluded.

Hyundai A-League club Brisbane Roar are also lending their support to Yellow Hearts Day, with senior players and club mascots making appearances at Briggs Road Complex.

Pride Youth Men will commence the day’s matches at 2:30pm against Brisbane Strikers, followed by the Pride Senior Women against Annerley Recreation Club at 5pm.

Kick-off for the senior men’s fixture between Pride and Heat is scheduled for 7pm.