The Nationwide Ladies’s Soccer League growth group in Boston apologized on Wednesday for a ‘Too Many Balls’ advertising marketing campaign that drew a harsh response from the transgender group and others.
A day after unveiling the slogan as a part of the rollout of the group title BOS Nation FC, the group posted on X that “we missed the mark” with an try to “create a daring and buzzworthy model launch marketing campaign”.
“We totally acknowledge that the content material of the marketing campaign didn’t mirror the secure and welcoming surroundings we attempt to create for all,” the group stated, “and we apologize to the LGBTQ+ group and to the trans group particularly for the damage we brought on.”
The brand new title, an anagram of Bostonian that additionally performed upon being a “boss”, was introduced Tuesday together with a video celebrating town’s skilled sports activities historical past – largely achieved by males – with the narrator saying, “Boston loves its balls” and “there are too many balls on this city.”
It concluded: “We’re BOS nation, the place something is feasible. No balls essential,” with the exception, the video famous, of a soccer ball.
“I’m actually trying ahead to see the group’s response,” Jennifer Epstein, one of many group’s homeowners, advised the Related Press. Actress and director Elizabeth Banks and Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman are also a part of the all-female possession group.
However what they received wasn’t what they anticipated.
Among the many reactions was an Instagram submit from Seattle midfielder Quinn, who identifies as transgender and nonbinary, saying, “Feels transphobic. Yikes.”
The group took the video down from its web site, and its toomanyballs.com web site was a useless hyperlink on Wednesday. The general public relations company that despatched out the information launch on the launch forwarded the group’s assertion to the AP, however extra particulars in regards to the marketing campaign weren’t instantly accessible.
“We’re proud to be a part of essentially the most inclusive sports activities league on the planet and are dedicated to upholding the unifying values that outline the NWSL and our membership,” the group posted on X. “Thanks to all who’ve held us accountable by calling for us to do higher. We hear you and we’ll, collectively.”
