International Transgender Day of Visibility takes place on Tuesday 31st March and is a chance to celebrate the transgender community and recognise the impact transgender people have across our communities, including in football. For me, it’s also a moment to reflect on what allyship really means and the role we all play in helping make football a more inclusive space for the wider LGBTQIA+ community.

Football is such a powerful environment. It brings people together, builds confidence and gives many people a real sense of belonging. Through my role on The FA National Youth Council, I’m often reminded how important it is that the environments we help create feel welcoming for everyone. If football is going to truly be a game for all, the spaces within it have to reflect that.

I would describe myself as an ally of the transgender community, and the wider LGBTQIA+ community, but I also know that allyship is something you’re always learning about. No one gets it right all the time, and mistakes can happen when you’re an ally. What matters is how we respond to those moments. Taking time to reflect, listening to others and being open to learning is a big part of it. Allyship isn’t about being perfect - it’s about being willing to learn and keep trying to do better.

As allies, it’s also important to recognise that we can’t fully understand the lived experiences of transgender people. Acknowledging that matters. It means listening to those experiences, learning about the history behind these conversations within the LGBTQIA+ community, and making the effort to understand things more deeply. The more informed we are, the better we can support others and help create spaces where people feel comfortable and respected.

Respect also comes through the language we use and how we treat people day to day. Using the correct pronouns for someone is an important way of recognising and respecting who they are. When people feel seen and acknowledged in that way, it helps create environments where they feel valued and able to take part with confidence.

While International Transgender Day of Visibility is a great moment to celebrate and raise awareness, allyship goes far beyond a single day. Whether we’re players, coaches, volunteers or referees, we all have a role in creating environments where people feel welcome across football.

For me, allyship in football is about continuing to learn and helping create spaces where everyone feels respected and valued. Because when people feel they belong in the game, football becomes better for everyone.