KATIE McCABE hopes she can inspire others to come out and feel comfortable in their own skin.
The Arsenal midfielder and Ireland skipper has used her platform to speak up for the LGBTQ community ahead of her side’s clash with Chelsea today.
Arsenal star McCabe, middle, hopes she can inspire others to come outCredit: Rex Features
Kilnamanagh-born McCabe, 24, broke the news to her parents over dinner, when she was aged 15, and recalls how supportive her family were.
She said: “I think encouraging other young girls and boys to come out is really important.
“When I did it, I had a lot of support from my family who were just like ‘who cares, why were you so worried to tell us?’
“They knew something was up, so for those who feel like they can’t, I encourage you to just go to that one person that you completely trust.
“Just get it out because it can be the worst thing saying out loud for some people.”
McCabe became her country’s youngest captain when then-boss Colin Bell appointed her at just 21 to fill the boots of legend Emma Byrne.
She is one of Ireland’s most high-profile female footballers and felt it was her duty to use her platform to spread a positive message.
The Gunners star said: “I took part in Aviva Dublin’s Pride campaign last summer and it was probably something people didn’t know about me.
“But if it gives that one person the courage to change and go speak to someone and come out, it’s all about that — and I’m happy to be able to help and support that.
“If people look at the captain of Ireland and see she can do, it maybe they will think, ‘So can I’.
“You’re changing that one per cent and giving that person hope that they can be themselves.”
INCLUSIVE LEAGUE
McCabe credits the Women’s Super League for being such an accepting environment compared to the hostility of the Premier League.
She has never experienced any homophobic abuse or heard of other players targeted in the women’s game and hopes more people in the sport can be open about their sexuality.
McCabe added: “You hear in men’s football there’s the racism issue. In terms of the WSL, I think it’s an inclusive league and that’s the way it should be. People shouldn’t be afraid to be themselves.
“Whether you’re gay, straight or whatever, you should feel comfortable in your own skin and be able to play football and not have to look over your shoulder.”
McCabe quit her home country and Irish side Shelbourne Ladies for a new venture with the Gunners at just 19.
She recalls the struggle of leaving her family and adjusting to life as a youngster on new shores.
McCabe said: “I’m quite homeward, used to mam and dad’s cooking with brothers and sisters around, so for me it was difficult having that transition.
“What was more difficult was coming from a great club and being a star player to going to a quality Arsenal side and trying to find my feet.”
After two years with the Gunners and six months left of her contract, she took the difficult decision to go out on loan to Glasgow City.
She revealed: “I went to get game time because you feel that, as captain of Ireland, you have be playing.
“I came back at the end of that loan with a month left on my contract in December.
“Boss Joe Montemurro had just come in and it totally flipped, I’ve been a Gunner ever since.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
