National Women’s Soccer League club OL Reign are going to hold their annual Pride match in a game against Portland Thorns in the Challenge Cup on July 13.

The club have celebrated Pride with a match for the past few years in the NWSL and in 2019 they drew 1-1 against Washington Spirit in the commemorative game.

Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock is happy that, despite the Covid-19 circumstances, the club can still host the match.

“The Pride match is always a special game for me each season—I always feel like I am playing for something more,” she said.

 “I am glad we’ve found a way to make it happen again this year. Although our fans in the Pacific Northwest won’t be able to join in person, I hope they will have a chance to support us from their homes."

The side will wear special match-day shirts with the number on the back being decorated with rainbow colours. The shirts will be signed by the team after the match and then sold to raise money for Tacoma’s Rainbow Center.

The centre is a safe space for LGBTQ+ people and creates resources for educational purposes. The tops will go on sale at half-time during their match against Thorns and they will be $249.

Troy Christensen, Executive Director of Rainbow Center, said: "The LGBTQ Community has been so pleased to have OL Reign in Tacoma. We are big fans and are honoured to be considered for this gift."

The match will be Reign’s last preliminary game of the Challenge Cup before the quarter-finals next week.

They are currently in fifth position after claiming one victory, one draw and one defeat.