The Jack Murley Sports Show

Carly Telford is someone who has lived and breathed football for their whole life.

The legendary Lioness spent twenty years in the beautiful game, playing right around the world on some of the biggest stages that the sport has to offer.

So when new research came out showing that far too many female footballers believe that a lack of funding, sponsors and equipment are holding the game back, it was only natural that Telford was going to throw her weight behind the campaign to do something about it.

After all, the game is something that has given her so much – experience of playing around the world; triumphs in competitions like the She Believes Cup; the thrill of being part of World Cups, European Championships and the Tokyo Olympics; and so much more.

And, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Carly is also keen to represent in other ways as well – and it’s an honour to have her on the show with us today.

This is an amazing conversation that goes from everything from ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ to her first England call-up to the amazing changes that the women’s game saw during Carly’s time in it – and we think you’re really, really going to love this episode!

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Sophie McKinna is one of those people who we love on this podcast.

In fact, it was with us that the shot-putter and British Olympian first spoke publicly about her sexuality back in 2023 – and a lot has happened since then.

There’s been a major elbow injury, surgery, a road to recovery and – as you’ll hear – an engagement and wedding to plan as well.

But what pushes Sophie on is her desire to continue competing, and her recognition that something within her is driving her to accomplish goals that she’s not yet reached.

You’re going to hear all about that on the podcast today – in a chat that’s about mental resilience, body positivity, role models, grit, sharing your story to help others, finishing things you’ve started, and dogs.

Yeah, dogs feature a lot!

This is a top chat with a brilliant athlete in which nothing is held back, and we think you’ll love hearing it!

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You know how you know that Scottish curler Bruce Mouat is one of the nicest men in sport?

Because the Olympic silver medallist, world champion and multiple-time European gold medallist had literally just got back from competing in Canada when he shook off the jet-lag and joined us on the podcast for a catch-up that has been long overdue.

To be honest, a lot has happened in the years since Bruce was last on the show – including completing a full set of world championship medals after leading Scotland to their first men’s curling world title since 2009 in one of Bruce’s most iconic moments in the sport.

Bruce has also been appearing at Pride events and continuing to fly the flag, both for curling and as an ambassador for the LGBTQ+ community – and it’s brilliant to have him back on the show!

This is a fascinating chat – about the media whirlwind that follows an Olympics; about being visible and dealing with the aftermath; about inspiring others; about being open to help others; about what drives him forward as an athlete… oh, and about the joy and challenges of playing with your partner!

We make no bones about the fact that we love Bruce – and after hearing this episode, you’ll understand why!

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It was an email from listener Adam that got us thinking about the theme for today's episode. 

But our international listeners (and some in the UK) didn't get a chance to listen to those shows - so today, we're bringing you some of the best bits from those shows.

You'll hear from Olympians, footballers, pro wrestlers and more - as we bring you some of the best bits from a brilliant summer of sport that we were lucky enough to share over on Virgin Radio Pride.

It’s certainly been a rollercoaster few months for Ireland’s Jack Woolley.

At points, it was uncertain whether Jack would be able to qualify for this year’s Olympics in Paris – but qualify, he did, for his second successive Games in a row.

In fact, Jack’s already a history-making athlete, as the first Irish athlete to ever compete in an Olympic taekwondo event – and this time out, he was cheered on by his partner Dave, unlike in Tokyo, where there were just a handful of people on hand to watch his monumental achievement.

Jack’s been someone we’ve wanted to have on for ages, and we’re absolutely delighted we’ve finally managed to make it happen.

This conversation is a cracker – as we look at Jack’s amazing sporting achievements, his drive and self-acknowledged need to be perfect, his life in taekwondo, his Olympics experiences, his journey with his own sexuality, being open for others and so, so much more.

There’s no doubt that Jack is an inspiration for so many folks, including many listening today – and we’re certain you’re going to love this chat.

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Manchester Pride has been and gone, so it only seems appropriate to get someone from that part of the world on the pod today.

In fact, Manchester Storm ice hockey star Zach Sullivan is someone we’ve been wanting to catch up with for a while – and now is the perfect time to do it.

Zach opened up publicly about the fact he’s bisexual back in 2020, and we actually spoke to him about it on the pod about it at the time.

But a lot has changed in the time between now and then – including Zach surpassing more than 500 appearances in the Elite Ice Hockey League – so it’s the perfect time for a catch up.

And this is just a cracking conversation with Zach, where you realise how much has changed – in terms of Zach’s confidence in who he is, his reflection on coming out, how he’s helped other people through his decision, his career until now and what comes next... honestly, it’s just full to the brim with so much great stuff!

Zach is so laid-back, so considered, with a great dry sense of humour – he’s someone we really like on a personal level, and we really hope you like this episode as much as we do.

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For England rugby legend Rocky Clark, the past week has been an emotional one.

On the positive side, it’s the anniversary of her greatest triumph – with 2024 marking exactly ten years since she lifted the World Cup with England.

On the other hand, Rocky also experienced her first piece of homophobic abuse in a long time – and the experience left her shaken and hurt.

So, the highest of highs, the lowest of lows – but Rocky is one of our favourite people, and we were desperate to get her back on the show, so now seemed like the best time to do it.

And as always, a chat with Rocky – one of the greatest English players to ever pull on the jersey, period – is time well spent.

This chat goes everywhere, from mental health to retirement to dealing with abuse to the mammoth cycling fundraising challenge she’s taking on with a fellow England rugby superstar.

Just sit back, listen and enjoy one of those chats that just contains everything!

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Jahmal Howlett-Mundle was just a kid when he was scouted for Crystal Palace – so it’s fair to say that football was in his blood from a very early age.

Jahmal signed a professional contract at Hearts, and then went on to play at a semi-pro level for the likes of Sheppey United, and currently plies his trade at Sevenoaks Town – where he’s also the skipper!

Jahmal is also bisexual and came out to his then-teammates in 2021 – and he says he’s more confident than ever when it comes to speaking about his truth.

In fact, Jahmal is dedicating himself to making football a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone, so we’re delighted to have him on the podcast today.

We can’t tell you how much we love this episode – there is so much positivity, but also realness and honesty in this chat from a man who just wants to make the game better.

Honestly, it’s a stonker!

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Founded in 1996, Village Manchester FC is one of the UK’s leading inclusive football teams.

From a team that started as a response to the pervasive notion that ‘gay players’ couldn’t compete against ‘straight teams’, the club has gone from strength-to-strength – as demonstrated in their most recent triumph in Vienna at the EuroGames.

Bertie Moores plays for the club and dropped us a message, asking if he could come on to share the story of the club – and we were delighted to make it happen!

Alongside first team manager Pete Ransom, we have a cracking conversation about their experiences in football, how they found Village, the difference it has made in their lives, those EuroGames matches and the success Village Manchester had there – and loads, loads more besides!

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Sometimes, it's good to take a little bit of time to reflect.

And that's exactly what we're doing on the podcast today - as we take a wander down memory lane to remind ourselves of some of the amazing sporting guests who have joined us over the past few months. 

Rugby, para-dressage, softball, motor-racing - they're all on the agenda today as we remind ourselves of some of the brilliant guests who have joined us since April.

So, enjoy a reminder of some of these awesome LGBTQ+ representatives in sport - and we'll return to normal service next week!

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