Arkema is proud to announce our Pride month collaboration with the North Carolina Courage women's soccer team, featuring the "Conversations Over Cleats" video series.
The "Conversations Over Cleats" three-part video series will feature an NC Courage player designing Pride-themed cleats alongside local artist, Anna Luking, and will include conversations between the artist and player about Pride, the creation of the cleats and the cleats being presented to the player.
The cleats, which will be signed by the players who helped design them, will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the LGBT Center of Raleigh. The auction will start on June 23 and end on June 26 at 11:59 p.m. A link to the auction will be posted on the NC Courage social media channels.
“The North Carolina Courage demonstrates in so many ways Arkema’s own values of performance, inclusion, and solidarity. Arkema has an important research and development center in Cary and because sports and community are vital components of Arkema’s business, Conversations over Cleats in particular, allows Arkema to connect with the region in a unique and meaningful way. We are grateful for our relationship with the Courage and its players,” said Tony O’Donovan, President and CEO of Arkema Inc.
Arkema has been a proud sponsor of the NC Courage, a Division 1 women's professional football team that is part of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), since the 2021 season.
The Courage plays home games at the Sahlen Stadium of the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, less than 10 miles from our Cary site. Our sponsorship of the Courage aligns with our global support of women's soccer. Arkema and the team are mutually dedicated to inclusion.
“Our club values the amplification of conversations around the LGBT community at all times, and especially during Pride Month. We strive to find initiatives that will make a real impact and we’re proud of this important video series and unique fundraiser for the LGBT Center of Raleigh, which does so much good for the community. We are thrilled to have a great relationship with Arkema, and participation from members of the Triangle, for this endeavor,” said Club President Francie Gottsegen.
The cleats will be on display at Fan Fest prior to the team’s Pride Match on June 23 against the Chicago Red Stars. Be on the lookout for the videos on the NC Courage social media channels and YouTube.