Bexley player-manager wants more gay players involved in local football after tough experiences

Gary Ginnaw, 32, who came out eight years ago, has spoken about how difficult it was for him to play football when he was younger because of anxiety and confidence issues.

Gary Ginnaw in action

Mr Ginnaw, has been playing for Bexley Invicta for the last year and was recently made player-manager of the club.

He said: “I’ve always been a football fanatic but when I was 18-years-old, I was worried because I did not feel comfortable playing a sport where I thought I wouldn’t be accepted.

“As a result of this, I stopped playing football for at least 12 years – it even took me so long to pluck up the courage to join my current team.

“When I was teen, I’d hear the banter, whether that would be participating or watching football, ‘you’re such a poof' would be used as insults and I felt very awkward.

“I thought, what abuse would they hurl at me if they found out I was gay?

“The idea of not being able to play football because you’re gay is a modern day issue which needs to be eradicated.”

Bexley Invicta

Mr Ginnaw, a Charlton Athletic season ticket holder, went on to praise Bexley Invicta for welcoming him with open arms.

The team, who train in Bexley and Dartford, have a number of gay and straight men.

The former Bexley resident added: “The club is obviously open to everyone – we’re not prejudiced.

“Everyone should be able to play football regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

“There is such a great atmosphere between the lads - we’re all friends and go out to many social events.

“A few months ago, we went to play in a tournament in Hamburg and it was a fantastic team-bonding trip.”

The Bexley-born man, who works at a law firm, started his Football Association (FA) coaching badges in July.

The Mirror reported last week that two Premier League stars were set to come out as gay.

Mr Ginnaw spoke about how much of a statement of intent it would be on youngsters in helping them not be afraid to play the game.

He said: “It would be huge if current footballers came out – imagine if it was a player from Manchester United or Chelsea?

“Just look at what black players had to go through when they started playing football.

“Compare that to now, barring a small minority, no one bats an eyelid if they see a professional black footballer on the field.

“Hopefully that can be the same with open gay footballers in the next 25 years.”

Click here for more information on Mr Ginnaw’s football team.