I have also confided in my team-mates in the youth team here at Blackpool, and they too have embraced the news and supported my decision to open up and tell people. In reaching this point, I’ve had some of the best support and advice from my family, my Club, my agent and Stonewall, who have all been incredibly pro-active in putting my interests and welfare first. It’s a step into the unknown being one of the first footballers in this country to reveal my sexuality, but I’ve been inspired by Josh Cavallo, Matt Morton and athletes from other sports, like Tom Daley, to have the courage and determination to drive change.
I’ve known my whole life that I’m gay, and I now feel that I’m ready to come out and be myself. I’ve made my first-team debut, scored 30 goals for the youth team, signed my first professional contract and shared success with my team-mates, going on a great run in the FA Youth Cup and lifting the Lancashire FA Pro-Youth Cup.īut off the pitch I’ve been hiding the real me and who I really am. This season has been a fantastic one for me on the pitch. He writes in a statement released by his team: He is constantly helping countless queer athletes whether they are pro or in school, know that they are not alone – and that there is nothing wrong with them.
Blackpool FC forward Jake Daniels has come out, becoming Britain’s first active openly gay male professional footballer.
