What’s it like to be gay in grassroots men’s football? With Chew Magna FC’s Callum Hodge

What’s it like to be gay in grassroots men’s football? With Chew Magna FC’s Callum Hodge

From Football v Homophobia by Football v Homophobia

October 10, 2025 · 33 min

About this episode

Callum Hodge discusses his experiences as a gay player in grassroots men's football and the challenges faced by LGBTQ athletes.

Having scored more than 200 goals for his local club, based in a small village in Somerset, Callum Hodge can say with confidence that he’s made his mark in grassroots football. Millions of men across the U.K. play at a similar level every week - but Callum’s story is unusual. He came out as gay in his early 20s and has carried on playing into his late 30s. He’s yet to meet another player at this level who’s out as gay or bi to everyone in their county league. Callum knows that homophobic language is a major reason why the vast majority of gay guys like him remain hidden in football. But with his team, Chew Magna FC - who have been amazing allies - he’s taking action. They recently walked off the pitch in protest due to a discriminatory slur, with the incident now under investigation. Sadly, it’s not the first time Callum has faced homophobia on the field. Now he wants to help bring about change for the benefit of other LGBTQ players, especially those struggling with their sexuality. On this episode of the FvH Podcast, he talks to Jon Holmes about the good, the bad and the ugly of grassroots men’s football; why he’s extra proud to be an Aston Villa fan; and shares his coming out…

People in this episode

Host: Jon Holmes

Guest: Callum Hodge

Topics covered

  • gay in football
  • grassroots football
  • LGBTQ in sports

Keywords

  • homophobia
  • coming out
  • Chew Magna FC
  • Aston Villa

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Somerset, U.K.

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