Eye-catching and innovative kit design marks Parrots’ entry into Scottish Floorball League tournament; “It’s wonderful to see how much our club has developed and the significant impact we continue to make across Perthshire and beyond,” says founder Frazer Robertson
Perth Parrots – the LGBTIQ+-inclusive sports club founded in 2019 – are sure to be stand-outs in this season’s Scottish Floorball League after revealing their striking and innovative new kit.
The special strip was launched on Saturday at a civic reception hosted by Perth and Kinross Council.
Following the recent challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Parrots have seen considerable growth in membership since returning to weekly training sessions in May 2021.
One of the club’s ambitions on forming three years ago was to join the Scottish Floorball League, which is hosted centrally in Perth at Bells Sports Centre throughout the year. The Parrots are now set to play their first league match in mid-September.
Their kit, which they say is based upon the colours of the “majestic” Macaw parrot, will guarantee visibility and there is further evidence of the club’s commitment to inclusion with players able to add pronouns to the right sleeve of their kit shirt.
The Parrots, who are part of a growing community of LGBTI+-inclusive teams across Scotland, will also display the LEAP Sports Scotland logo on the left sleeve of their shirts to recognise the unwavering support the charity has offered the club since its formation.
Perth Parrots founder Frazer Robertson said: “It’s been quite the journey for the Perth Parrots and it was felt that a civic reception was an appropriate way to mark this extremely important milestone for our club.
“It’s hoped that the new kit will act to further embed the values which our club, and indeed our members, hold dear. We strive to continue to ensure positive LGBTI sporting role models are given the visibility they deserve and have been craving for so long.
“It’s an incredibly proud moment for our flock and wonderful to see how much our club has developed and the significant impact we continue to make across Perthshire and beyond.”
Hugh Torrance, the executive director of LEAP Sports, said: “Perth Parrots are an ambitious community group, and gearing up to play in the league is a huge and exciting step up for their players.
“The Parrots have managed to impressively remain focused on the development of their club, whilst investing time and energy into the development of their community, their membership and the wider health and wellbeing outcomes of their members. The whole team at LEAP Sports wish them huge success.”
Floorball is a fast-growing sport in the UK that has taken a significant foothold in Northern and Eastern Europe. Similar in style to ice hockey, but without ice or skates and using a ball rather than a puck, the sport is far more affordable and accessible than its better-known counterpart given that expensive time on an ice rick is not required.
Teams consist of five players and a goalkeeper on the field and quick unlimited switches with a wider team of up to 20 players.
Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade hosted the civic reception.
“Perth and Kinross is a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone and the success of the club is testament to that,” said McDade.
“Perth Parrots is a wonderful example of inclusivity, allowing people to take part in sport and stay fit regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“They are a real community club and I’m sure will enjoy continued success in the months and years to come.”
Further information regarding Perth Parrots Floorball Club can be found on their social media channels at @PerthParrots – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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