Professional referee Ryan Atkin joins me to look back on his memories of football growing up and eventually taking a course before pursuing a career in “the art of refereeing”. Ryan also tells me about how he believes officials are misunderstood and that it is an overlooked profession in the game.

When he came out in August 2017, Ryan says the reception was an overwhelmingly positive one, full of support both from within football and outside the game. Being openly gay meant he became a better referee, which he explains, as well as offering his thoughts on how far football has to go in terms of sexual equality and the need to continue pushing for all forms of equality in light of the recent Black Lives Matter movement. Ryan also tells me about his work with Prides around the country and his campaigning with organisations such as Stonewall.

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