With it being Rainbow Laces Day 2020 Ashby United's Media Officer and Senior player Callum wanted to share his story of being LGBTQ+ in a sporting environment and how he is trying to support others in playing their part in "making sport everyone's game!

He said: "Football has always been a huge part of my life, from when I was a little kid all through my teens at school and even now still. If I wasn't playing football I was watching it and if I was not watching football I was playing it!

"Sport and football was supposed to be my escape from reality, but even playing and watching on a regular basis could not detract from the feelings of anxiety that would be caused by "boyish" chat in the dressing rooms or when Gay slurs or homophobic comments were unfortunately used frequently in passing conversation.

"This behaviour was also common, if not more so, in school, and other social situations including on the terraces at football matches, which to this day still remains a problem.

"I made the difficult decision when I moved to Loughborough College, to study sport, to be completely open about my sexuality with my group.

"At the time I was very nervous and anxious about this, worrying about what people would think, what comments would be made and how I would be treated.. Looking back I really had nothing to worry about, I was very lucky that I was seen as just me, Callum, a sports student, just as everybody else was.

"It's amazing to see the leading work that Loughborough College Sport are now striving forward with to provide support to other learners who might be going through the same dilemmas I did and I'm proud to openly discuss the impacts sport has had on me and how everyone can play their part in helping a teammate be themself, not feel anxious or nervous about being involved in a sporting environment just because they are gay.

"I'm proud that everyone involved with Ashby United Community Football Club has got behind the rainbow laces campaign which is designed to help generate these conversations and make sport a more inclusive place for everyone, no matter there background."

Loughborough College Sport, Curriculum Manager Danny Lee said "it's so important for learners to have real life examples of the LGBTQ+ community volunteering in local sports.

"The Rainbow Laces campaign is about sport being everyone's game. To have Callum volunteer his time to talk openly & honestly to our learners about his journey in accepting himself and to hear the fantastic work he is doing at Ashby United is inspiring.

"Callum is a true role model and his work at breaking down barriers is to be applauded."