League Football Education (LFE) offers its full support to Blackpool Football Club’s Jake Daniels following this evening’s announcement regarding his sexuality.
LFE stands alongside Blackpool Football Club, the EFL and The PFA in applauding Jake’s courage in openly sharing his sexuality and hopes his bravery serves as inspiration for players that do not feel comfortable being their true selves.
Working closely with Blackpool Football Club, LFE are committed to supporting Jake as he moves into the second year of his apprenticeship and, as part of the continuous drive to create an all-inclusive, non-discriminatory environment for all, reaffirms its determination to educate EFL apprentices and staff through LGBTQ+ workshops throughout the 2022/23 season.
LFE Chief Executive, Sarah Stephen, said: “LFE wholeheartedly supports Jake Daniels with his disclosure and invites the whole community to support him.
“We provide education and training to 16-18-year-old apprentices throughout the EFL academies and this includes identity and well-being support, alongside providing an inclusive, non-discriminatory environment.
“If any of our apprentices would like to discuss this, please call your LFE Regional Officer or reach out to the various organisations below that can offer specialist support and guidance.”
Alongside academic, Personal Development and Transition support, LFE provides an extensive Life Skills programme covering a multitude of subjects, including well-being, identity and discrimination. This programme has also featured Keegan Hirst delivering ‘Being Yourself in Sport,’ an exclusive workshop focusing on identity, sexuality and derogatory stereotypes.
The 2021/22 season has seen the introduction of Stonewall, who provide education to academy players and staff covering anti-bullying, LGBTQ+ and support. The sessions are age-appropriate for all academy players and provide an understanding of why being yourself is important in football, as well as tips on how to stand up against bullying in football and how to support LGBTQ+ people.
If you are an apprentice and you would like some support or a confidential conversation about your sexuality, here is a list of organisations that can help:
League Football Education
Contact your Regional Officer for a confidential, non-discriminatory conversation.
Website: www.lfe.org.uk
The Professional Footballers’ Association
Telephone: 07500 000 777 (24hr helpline)
Email: wellbeing@thepfa.co.uk
Website: www.thepfa.co.uk
Kick It Out
Kick It Out aims to tackle equality and inclusion issues throughout t football, educational and community sectors.
Website: www.kickitout.org
Stonewall
LGBT Information and Support.
Telephone: 07925 890 734
Website : www.stonewall.org.uk
Football v Homophobia
Website: www.footballvhomophobia.com
