Conor Coady has urged the football community to actively listen and learn from LGBTQ+ experiences as part of ongoing inclusivity efforts. The 33-year-old former England international, currently on loan at Charlton Athletic, emphasized that football has given him everything and should offer the same opportunities to everyone regardless of sexuality or identity.

Coady, who won the football ally award in 2021, is supporting both Football v Homophobia's month of action and the EFL's rainbow ball campaign. He reflected on being asked about the LGBTQ+ community's experiences at matches, saying he's heard many personal stories about the challenges people face. "If there's a 1% that you can help with, then go and try and help," Coady stated, highlighting his commitment to using his platform as a footballer.

The EFL's chief executive Trevor Birch echoed Coady's sentiments, stating that everyone has a role in creating environments where all feel they truly belong. Coady will watch from the stands Saturday as Charlton faces Wrexham in their ninth annual Football v Homophobia matchday, unable to play against his parent club.