On Monday 16th May, 17-year-old Blackpool FC forward, Jake Daniels came out as gay, speaking to Sky Sports and in a statement on his club’s website.
Jake is now the only openly gay active male professional footballer in the UK and the first to come out in 30 years, making his decision a landmark moment for British football.
Andi Herring, CEO and Co-founder of LCR Pride Foundation, said: “This is a landmark moment for British football and we are extremely proud that Jake has made the decision to come out, so he can live his life freely and authentically, while pursuing the career that he loves.
“Football has been changing over the years, with a movement to kick homophobic abuse and attitudes, alongside other forms of hate, out of the sport. There is still a way to go, but Jake’s announcement, along with the solidarity and support shown by Blackpool FC, his teammates, peers across the football industry and the general public, shows how far we have come.”
“We hope this is another step towards a world where players are able to live their lives freely and authentically, without needing to hide and without prejudice and discrimination. We applaud Jake’s decision and wish him all the best in life and the bright career ahead of him.”
