Photo: Steve Parsons/WPA Pool/Getty
Prince Williamis voicing his support for the U.K.‘sfirst active openly gay soccer proin three decades.
After Blackpool FC player Jake Daniels, 17, came out as gay on Monday in astatement, Prince William shared a rare personal message of support on his Twitter account.
“Football should be a game for everyone,“Prince William, 39, wrote. “What Jake has done takes courage and will hopefully help break down barriers that have no place in our society. I hope his decision to speak openly gives others the confidence to do the same.”
The royal, who became President of The Football Association in 2006, signed the note with a W, indicating the personal nature of the tweet.
With the announcement, Daniels — who debuted with Blackpool FC earlier this month — became the U.K.’s first active openly gay soccer pro since the late Justin Fashanu came out nearly 32 years ago in 1990.
“I’ve been hiding the real me and who I really am,” Daniels wrote. “I’ve known my whole life that I’m gay, and I now feel that I’m ready to come out and be myself.”
Daniels noted in his statement that he considered waiting until his retirement to come out, as no other active U.K. men’s player is currently out. (Several women’s players are part of the LGBTQ community. Former Aston Villa player Thomas Hitzlspergercame outin 2014 and Hull City youth alum Thomas Beattiecame outin 2020, but they were both retired.)
“There are people out there in the same space as me that may not feel comfortable revealing their sexuality. I just want to tell them that you don’t have to change who you are, or how you should be, just to fit in,” Daniels added. “You being you, and being happy, is what matters most.”
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
“Now, more than ever, is the time for us to support each other and for all parts of society to prioritize mental health,” said the declaration. “We will do everything we can to play our part in this and help make football a ‘mentally healthy’ environment, now and in the future.”
source: people.com
