Sophie Cook joins Kick It Out as ambassador

Thursday 22 Sep 2016
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Kick It Out is delighted to announce that Sophie Cook has joined the organisation as an ambassador.

Sophie, who is the club photographer at Premier League club AFC Bournemouth, will support Kick It Out spread key messages of equality and inclusion in the game in her new ambassadorial role.

Sophie is a transgender woman who speaks publicly about her transition to inspire other people in her situation. Sophie discusses her career in football as well as her previous career as a newspaper editor and recruit of the Royal Air Force.

She joins fellow Cherries star Callum Wilson in becoming a patron of Kick It Out, with Callum showing support in his role as one of the organisation’s ‘Next 20’ ambassadors.

Speaking about the announcement, Sophie was thrilled to offer her support to the organisation.

“It’s a massive honour to be announced as an ambassador for Kick It Out.

“I’ve known the work of Kick It Out for several years and I think they do amazing things to break down bigotry within the game. To be asked to become an ambassador alongside some of the famous names feels quite surreal!

“I hope in my role I can get the message across that we are all people and there is no difference between us regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and other characteristics.

“I also hope that in speaking out publicly, I can help people understand more about trans people so that can be spread across to society.”

Roisin Wood, Director of Kick It Out, spoke of her pleasure at welcoming a new ambassador.

“It is fantastic news that Sophie has agreed to become a Kick It Out ambassador.

“Her story is one of true courage and inspiration to not only people within the football industry but society as well.

“Kick It Out is determined to further raise awareness of the LGBT community involved in football and with support from Sophie we can deliver our messages to a new audience.”

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

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