James Child believes coming out has made him a better referee

It will be a proud family occasion for James Child when he takes charge of his first Challenge Cup final on Saturday as he revealed coming out has made him a better referee.

Child’s parents Colin and Patricia stopped going to matches after witnessing widespread abuse towards players and referees from the terraces but they have been encouraged by the progress the game has made towards inclusivity.

The spectators at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the showdown between Huddersfield and Wigan will also include Child’s fiance Steven and their young son Harris.

“It will be a proud moment for my family,” Child told the PA news agency. “My mum and dad have been there throughout my career and when I was young my dad used to take me to all my games.

“They don’t go to many games these days so it’s nice for them on days like Saturday, when they can go along and watch it and enjoy it. It’s their reward for their support over the years.

“My fiance is also going and his parents and my son. Harris went to his first game at the semi-final, which was great, although he didn’t particularly enjoy the loud cheers as he’s not one yet.”

Child, who is getting married to Steven next month, helped break down the barriers at the start of the 2021 season when he revealed he was gay and says the impact of his announcement was profound.

“I got lots of messages of support from people at the time,” he said. “By and large the reaction was absolutely positive.”

After speaking with Child, Newcastle Thunder general manager Jordan Robinson followed his example by talking about his sexuality on the BBC’s LGBT sport podcast and Child believes the decision of 17-year-old Blackpool footballer Jake Daniels to come out as gay will have a similarly positive