David Coote

David Coote is a man who embodies the very meaning of change. Able to shed light on what it’s like to be a part of the LGBT community within the football scene, he brings a passion and authenticity to presentations that audiences can truly connect with. Formerly a Premier League, UEFA, and FIFA Referee, David has extensive experience with the scrutiny that comes hand-in-hand with refereeing. Between his experience as a VAR for both the 2024 Euros and the 2024 Olympic Games – Including the Men’s Gold medal match – and his work as a referee for world-class events such as the FA Cup Final in 2022, David has earned his place as a respected figure in the industry. 

David's journey began when he was only 14. As a lover of football, he was able to leverage his genuine passion to climb the referee ranks. Soon enough, he was refereeing Football Leagues, Premier Leagues, Championships, and many more high profile games whose outcomes would shape football history. Yet, despite living his dream each and every day, David kept a part of himself hidden from the world. This was, of course, his sexuality. David had known he was gay since his teenage years, but he struggled a great deal with coming out. As a result, he started to live something of a double life. At work, he was a hardened referee. At home, he was the man he wished he could be out in the open.

This internal turmoil would unfortunately boil over in 2024, where David would face controversy surrounding substance abuse. Now, with more eyes on him than ever before, David found himself facing an unbearable dilemma – hide away and let the harsh words wear him down, or take a brave stand and address everything, and more. Despite having suicidal thoughts and receiving death threats each and every day, David gathered the courage to speak up. First, he conducted an interview with The Sun, before appearing on Sky Sports News with further details. This was when, finally, he revealed his sexuality to the world, hoping that it could offer comfort to any in similar shoes to him.

Though the sudden death of his mother in 2023 threw David into turmoil, and the abrupt end of his time as a referee caused him to question what he wanted from life, David chose to become an inspiration for other LGBT people within the football scene. His story is one of resilience and self-acceptance, urging people to seek the help they need to be who they are on the inside. So, if you’re looking to enhance your event with words spoken from a place of vulnerability and understanding, David Coote is the perfect speaker for the job.