A semi-professional soccer team will no longer play the U.S. national anthem before matches and instead will be replacing it with Woody Guthrie's “This Land is Your Land.”Tulsa Athletic, of the National Premier Soccer League, announced Wednesday that in order to create a more inclusive environment it will change the song. While this verse is rarely sung, Tulsa Athletic does not believe ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ represents or unites their diverse players, fans and community,” the team said in a press release. Tulsa Athletic co-owner Sonny Dalesandro also commented on the change. It represents a future Tulsa Athletic is committed to striving for.”The club encouraged fans to sing the song “if they are comfortable.”Tulsa Athletic has six home matches this season. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe NPSL was founded in 2003 and contains several teams across the U.S. Tulsa Athletic plays in the Heartland Conference.

Source: Fox News June 25, 2020 10:52 UTC