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The One with Jake Williamson

We talk pursuing a professional career and being gay in the beautiful game in a top chat!

It’s fair to say Jake Williamson has loved sport for as long as he can remember.

As a kid, he tried a bit of everything – but it was skiing, running and football that really stood out from the pack.

In fact, he was good enough to pursue a career at a professional level, trialling at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and travelling to Europe where he was offered a contract to play football full-time in Poland.

And while that dream didn’t quite work out, he still plays at a decent level now and, as well as doing personal training, is also a season ticket holder at Chelsea.

But for a long time, Jake didn’t think it was possible to be all those things – and to be gay as well.

So, he pushed the feelings he had for men down, and it was only when he met his partner Paul that he realised he was ready to tell his friends and family about his sexuality.

Now, he’s sharing his story with us on this podcast, in the hope that it can help others who may be in the same situation.

This is a cracking conversation, it really is – on Jake’s love of the beautiful game; those experiences in Poland and Scotland; his love of staying active; how his relationship helped him gain the confidence to share his story; the importance of role-models and language; and so much more.

It’s all here in an open, honest and fascinating chat that we really think you’ll like.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST?
@JakeWilliamson4
@jake_williamsonpt

WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PODCAST?
@jack_murley
jack.murley@bbc.co.uk

Release date:

Available now

36 minutes

Podcast