In the build up to the inaugural Pride Game on Saturday night, hundreds of people from all over the world signed on to the welcoming committee.

From St Kilda fans and football supporters based in Finland, Singapore, America and all over the globe, to all parts of Australia, the message was loud and clear. Below is a sample of some of the messages left by the welcoming committee.

 

Leah Adams: Don't ever be afraid to be who you truly are! Love is love. Well done Saints and Swans #PrideGame #GoSaints

Trudy Anderson: We are Saints supporters and welcome everybody

Jonathan Austin: From all walks of life, we face challenges every day. Never be afraid to express who you are because you are just as important as anyone else here today #PrideGame has brought a Richmond supporter to this game. This is a milestone for AFL!

Luke Billing: We as a club are here for EVERYONE. Make no mistake about it....we are one big family. We all have basic human rights. Embracing and celebrating ALL is the best way to be. #lovewins#pridegame#futureisnow

Vanessa Cassar: The opposite of shame is pride. A great initiative by the St Kilda Football Club. So proud of my club.

Mikey Cole: Stand tall, stand proud & stand with St Kilda #PrideGame

Lesley Connolly: Our everyday life is made up of many different diversity's and we should be able to respect  each other at all times I am so proud of my Football Club for being involved in this the first  Pride Game   Go Saints

Susie Coughlin: Football is a sport for ALL. Non inclusion is not acceptable. Saints pride.

Carolyn Cullen: LGBTIQ is part of all of us. The rainbow makes us all whole.

Tony Dawson: All St Kilda  members & supporters are part of a Loyal, Passionate SAINTS Family. As such, being part of that SAINTS family the love we feel for the club, extends to all who are part of the same family, irrespective of Sexual Preferences, Race , Gender or Religious Views. No-One should feel THREATENED, UNWELCOMED or think they are not part of the GREAT SAINTS FAMILY based on their Sexual Preference. That most Definitely is NOT the case at ST.KILDA where we WELCOME ALL with OPEN Arms.

Join the players and coaches at the 2016 best and fairest and celebrate an exciting season

Chris Ephgrave: Inclusion is what makes us great.

Pam Griffiths: Very proud to be part of a club that has taken on this we ALL need to feel safe and welcome  well done Saints!!!!

James Hill: So proud of my footy team ensuring we are all made to feel welcome, respected, included and safe.

Peter Maver: Very proud of my club being the first AFL club to promote and support such an important issue.

Kelly Murray: Nothing brings people together like sports.  I'm happy that the Saints, the Swans, and the AFL are joining together to make everyone feel welcome.  Truly proud to be St. Kilda!

Brian Oakley: Football has been part of my life for as long as I can remember and the joy of the game should be equally available to everyone to participate and be part of.

Bronwyn Rust: EVERYONE is welcome at our footy club. Sport should be a place of inclusion, free from barriers, prejudice, fear or judgement. I am so proud my club is taking this step and leading the way to help everyone feel safe and welcome at the footy. GO SAINTS!

Heath Taylor: Diversity is the champion of an enlightened society. Congrats to everyone involved in this important event!

Shirley Whitford: Be proud, stand tall, love the one your with and love the Saints!

Bid on a Jayco motor home, AC/DC guitar, inner sanctum experiences, memorabilia and MUCH more in the annual Saints Auction. Click here.