Blackpool's Jake Daniels becomes UK's first active openly gay male footballer since 1990

Jake Daniels is just 17 years old and recently put pen to paper on a professional contract with English Championship club Blackpool but has already made history early into his young career. 

As noted by an ESPN piece, Daniels spoke with Sky Sports about becoming the first active openly gay professional male footballer in the United Kingdom since Justin Fashanu became the first openly gay male British player in 1990. 

"I am hoping that by coming out, I can be a role model, to help others come out if they want to," Daniels explained. "I am only 17 but I am clear that this is what I want to do and if, by me coming out, other people look at me and feel maybe they can do it as well, that would be brilliant. If they think this kid is brave enough (to) do this, I will be able to do it too.

"I hate knowing people are in the same situation I was in. I think if a Premier League footballer does come out that would just be amazing. I feel like I would have done my job and inspired someone else to do that. I just want it to go up from here. We shouldn't be where we are right now." 

Daniels also shared a message on the official Blackpool website. 

"In reaching this point, I’ve had some of the best support and advice from my family, my Club, my agent and Stonewall, who have all been incredibly pro-active in putting my interests and welfare first," he wrote. "I have also confided in my team-mates in the youth team here at Blackpool, and they too have embraced the news and supported my decision to open up and tell people."

Blackpool added: 

"Blackpool Football Club has worked closely with Stonewall and the relevant footballing organizations to support Jake and is incredibly proud that he has reached a stage where he is empowered to express himself both on-and-off the pitch. It is vital that we all promote an environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves, and that football leads the way in removing any form of discrimination and prejudice." 

Per ESPN, Fashanu died by suicide roughly eight years after he came out as gay. While some male UK footballers have come out following their retirements, none had done so during their active careers since Fashanu before Monday's development.