Connor Cody: “You don’t know what people are going through”

“We all have a role to play in creating an environment where everyone feels like they truly belong,” says Trevor Birch, chief executive of the EFL.

How can the world of football help? Cody reiterated his advice to “listen and learn.”

“Listen to people’s stories and listen to what people have been through,” Cody said.

“I think that’s the biggest way to gain experience and learn about different situations and different spaces that people find themselves in.”

The former Wolves, Leicester and Everton player is currently on loan at Charlton Athletic.

Cody will watch from the stands as he is unable to face his parent club Wrexham, who visit The Valley on Saturday for the Addicks’ ninth annual Football Against Homophobia match.

“Players are the ones who live and breathe the game,” said Gary Genau, Chairman of Charlton Invicta., external -The club’s LGBTQ+ friendly team.

“They are role models for a lot of people and can really influence how society views gay people.

“Understanding the problem that LGBTQ+ people go through in football and in general is very important.”