FORMER Gala Fairydean Rovers striker Zander Murray has been handed the honour of leading Edinburgh's Pride march which takes place in the streets of the capital tomorrow Saturday June 24 2023 leaving from the Scottish Parliament at 1pm.

On 21st September 2022 whilst playing for the Borders club Murray become the only current senior Scottish male footballer to come out as being gay.

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Amid a whirlwind of media interest less than 24 hours later he was back on the pitch scoring for the Netherdale side in a Scottish Cup tie against Sauchie Juniors and subsequently earned a move to SPFL Club Bonnyrigg Rose in January 2023.

 

 

He wrote on social media: "Beyond delighted to be leading Edinburgh's Pride march.

"Cannot wait to walk the streets of Edinburgh finally being proud of who I am. Hope to meet as many ppl as I can!

"Thank you for this incredible opportunity @PrideEdinburgh.”

Border Telegraph: Zander Murray celebrates scoring against Rangers B at NetherdaleZander Murray celebrates scoring against Rangers B at Netherdale (Image: Thomas Brown)

And on Monday June 26th, as part of Leap Sports Festival Fortnight, he will return to the Borders to discuss the factors that contributed to his decision and discuss with coaches from a range of local sports clubs what they can do to allow others like him to be themselves whilst competing at sport.

The’ Changing Rooms, Changing Lives’ event is being organised by Gala Fairydean Rovers FC Community Trust with the support of Live Borders and Borders College and thanks to funding from Leap Sports is free of charge to coaches, students and individuals with an interest in developing sporting talent and ensuring sport is open and inclusive for all.

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 It will help the audience better understand the struggles being experienced by thousands of athletes across the UK and provide an opportunity to discuss how coaches and organisers can create an environment where people of all sexualities and genders are welcomed, supported and encouraged. 

Zander will be interviewed by the Nil by Mouth Charity Director Dave Scott and will discuss some of the challenges he has faced over his career and the things he believes coaches can do to help other athletes who don’t feel quite ready to go public about their sexuality. 

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Murray said: ‘Netherdale will always have a special place in my heart and I am delighted to be asked back to this event to offer my support and experiences to anyone who feels they can benefit from them.

I hope we one day reach the point when footballers coming out isn’t news and its just accepted as who someone is.

 But to first get there we have a lot better understanding of the reasons so many feel they cannot be themselves all the time. This isn’t unique to football, all sports need to be having these conversations and realise that changing rooms really can change lives.‘

Gala Fairydean Rovers FC Trust Chair Graeme McIver Said:‘It is of immense pride to everyone involved with the football club and community trust that Zander felt able to do what he did whilst at Netherdale.

“We have always wanted to be a club open to everyone and we are delighted that he is coming back for this event, which we hope will bring coaches and athletes from a range of sports together to hear about his experiences.

“There are few things in life that motivate and inspire people more than sport and having been inspired so many times by his performance on the pitch over the last few years we hope the people of the Borders will come along and be inspired by him off it.’