Former England Captain and women’s footballer Casey Stoney and her partner Megan Harris, announced that they are expecting twins, saying they hoped being gay parents in the public eye will send a positive message.

In a column for BBC Sport, Stoney, former reflected on becoming a mum in a same-sex relationship, and how motherhood is taboo in women’s football because time off from playing is usually required.

Being gay parents may not be that common in football but, in my view, as long as children have the love and support they need, then it shouldn’t matter whether they are brought up by two mums, two dads or a mum and a dad. What does a normal family look like now anyway? There isn’t one and I would hope there would be no negativity around our situation.”

She continues:

I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved and I’m not ashamed of who I am. Hopefully, when our two get older they will look at their mum and be proud too.”