“Gay footballers shouldn’t have to feel like they can’t play, and they shouldn’t have to feel like they’re out of place. They’re not….” ─ young English footballer Liam Davis.
Every month, as part of its #Equal Game campaign, UEFA is focusing on a player from one of its 55 member associations. This person will be an example that disability, religion, sexuality and race are no barriers to playing and enjoying football.
Liam Davis epitomises everyone’s right to experience the joy of football, no matter who they are, what they are or where they come from – the ethos behind UEFA’s #EqualGame campaign promoting diversity, inclusion and accessibility in football.
The 27-year-old footballer from the English county of Lincolnshire, who plays in midfield for Cleethorpes Town FC in the Northern Premier League, has openly come out as gay – and is also the first openly gay male footballer to play on the hallowed English turf of Wembley Stadium.
Coming out can present its share of delicate personal, professional and social problems. But it’s been a move that Liam has never had cause to regret, both in his everyday life and especially in his career in football.
