THE AFL was named the inaugural Pride in Sport Organisation of the Year at the Pride in Diversity Inclusion Awards in Sydney last week.

The Pride in Diversity Inclusion Awards are run by Pride in Diversity, a not-for-profit organisation which offers workplace inclusion and diversity support and resources for employers. 

Pride in Diversity established the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), which has been running since 2010 and stands as the national benchmark for LGBTI workplace inclusion for Australian employers. Most of Australia's biggest companies and businesses are members and participate in the index each year. 

The 2016 Pride in Sport Index is a joint initiative of Pride in Diversity, Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and the Bingham Cup (the PSI Founders).

The Pride in Sport index was developed by the PSI Founders with the advisory support of the foundation sports (AFL, NRL, ARU, FFA and CA) to establish Australia's first Pride in Sport Inclusion program to support National and State Sporting Organisations and their members with LGBTI inclusion. 

AFL general manager social policy and inclusion Tanya Hosch said the award demonstrates the AFL is making real change across the industry.

"We know we still have work to do to be fully inclusive, but as an industry we are making real gains and creating change," Ms Hosch said.

 "I would also like to acknowledge the AFL's Ali Gronow for her work preparing our submission."

St Kilda's work with the 2016 Pride Match won the award for most inclusive club.

The second Pride Match between Sydney and St Kilda will be played at the SCG in round 18.