Sydney Swans first off the mark with diversity action plan

The Sydney Swans have launched a Diversity Action Plan to coincide with this weekend's 'Pride' game against St Kilda at the SCG.

Sydney Swans AFL players Nic Newman, Aliir Aliir and Nick Smith. Source: AAP

The Sydney Swans have won nine of their last 10 matches.  But they're not just walking the walk on the pitch. 

Off it, the club has become the first AFL team to launch a 'Diversity Action Plan' to tackle social issues on a range of fronts.

The club's message to all current and future fans is simple - we'll support you,  whoever you are.

In recent years the club has put its support behind Indigenous Reconciliation.  Its new Diversity plan is an extension of a commitment to social issues. 

According to the plan a person's sexual orientation,  gender, physical ability or cultural background won't be an obstacle to them being welcomed into the Swans family.

Sydney Swans Board Member Sam Mostyn [left] and Chief Executvie Andrew Ireland on hand to launch the club's Diversity Action Plan Source: SBS

'We need to deliver'

Sam Mostyn the Chairperson of the Action Plan told SBS World News that the plan is a big "test" for the club. 

"We're very proud of this plan and now we need to develop it, and deliver on the targets."

It's the second staging of the 'Pride' game against St Kilda but it's hoped that it becomes a regular part of the AFL Calendar.

"I can't be a one-off.  We want to have it every year," Swans player Nick Smith told SBS World News: 

One of the club's most famous supporters Adam Spencer was voted the number one ticket holder last year. 

This year he was happy to be Master of Ceremonies for the launch of the action plan.  

Spencer says the need for such plans won't be around for much longer.  

"I think we're one generation away from the message being understood."