ABSTRACT
Since the turn of the millennium, a growing body of research has emerged highlighting how football is becoming increasingly acceptant towards sexual minorities. The aim of this chapter is to provide readers an insight into the changing nature of masculinities and sexualities among young Premier League academy footballers. It is structured with three main sections. (a) I outline the unique structure of a Premier League academy – in addition to the precariousness of employment in professional football. (b) Using various examples, I contextualize the issue of homophobia in the game. (c) I then present evidence of how the Premier League academy is a welcoming and inclusive environment for sexual minorities.
