What can sports clubs in the Borders do to be more inclusive?
Galashiels to host free event with first senior Scottish male footballer to come out as gay
It's claimed some athletes are still too afraid to come out amid concerns over how others might react.
But a free event taking place in Galashiels tonight (Monday) will hear what more sports clubs can do to be more inclusive.
Borders College is hosting An Evening with Zander Murray, who became Scotland's first openly gay footballer in the senior ranks, while playing for local side Gala Fairydean Rovers.
As part of Leap Sports Festival Fortnight, he will return to Netherdale to discuss the factors that contributed to his decision and discuss with coaches from a range of local sports clubs what they can do to allow others like him to be themselves whilst competing at sport.
Zander (pictured above), who was invited to lead Edinburgh's Pride parade at the weekend, said: "Netherdale will always have a special place in my heart and I am delighted to be asked back to this event to offer my support and experiences to anyone who feels they can benefit from them.
"I hope we one day reach the point when footballers coming out isn't news and its just accepted as who someone is. But to first get there we have a lot better understanding of the reasons so many feel they cannot be themselves all the time.
"This isn't unique to football, all sports need to be having these conversations and realise that changing rooms really can change lives."
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On 21st September 2022 whilst playing for Gala Fairydean Rovers Zander Murray become the first senior Scottish male footballer to come out as being gay.
Amid a whirlwind of media interest less than 24 hours later he was back on the pitch scoring for the Netherdale side in a Scottish Cup tie against Sauchie Juniors and earned a move to SPFL Club Bonnyrigg Rose in January 2023.
The' Changing Rooms, Changing Lives' event is being organised by Gala Fairydean Rovers FC Community Trust with the support of Live Borders and Borders College and, thanks to funding from Leap Sports, is free of charge to coaches, students and individuals with an interest in developing sporting talent and ensuring sport is open and inclusive for all.
It's hoped it will help the audience better understand the struggles being experienced by thousands of athletes across the UK and provide an opportunity to discuss how coaches and organisers can create an environment where people of all sexualities and genders are welcomed, supported and encouraged.
Zander will be interviewed by the Nil by Mouth Charity Director Dave Scott and will discuss some of the challenges he has faced over his career and the things he believes coaches can do to help other athletes who don't feel quite ready to go public about their sexuality.
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Gala Fairydean Rovers FC Trust Chair Graeme McIver said: "It is of immense pride to everyone involved with the football club and community trust that Zander felt able to do what he did whilst at Netherdale.
"We have always wanted to be a club open to everyone and we are delighted that he is coming back for this event, which we hope will bring coaches and athletes from a range of sports together to hear about his experiences.
"There are few things in life that motivate and inspire people more than sport and having been inspired so many times by his performance on the pitch over the last few years we hope the people of the Borders will come along and be inspired by him off it."
The event gets underway at the main Borders College at Nether Road in Galashiels (TD1 3HE) at 7pm tonight (Monday, June 26th). Tickets are free and can be booked here.
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