The 25-year-old, who has 48 caps for the Netherlands, has discovered love in Manchester – settling down together with her accomplice Ruth, who she met on a relationship app.
Now an overtly homosexual girl, Casparij says the group is “near her coronary heart”.
“It was laborious at occasions rising up till I received into ladies's soccer. It was regular and overtly spoken about [at Heerenveen],” she mentioned.
“I discovered so much about myself. I did not have that once I was younger, I had so many doubts and questions.
“I used to be mendacity awake at evening considering ‘is that this bizarre or am I bizarre?' With the ability to be that position mannequin now with my accomplice, for thus many younger women, is so vital.”
The suitable-back has a platform to advertise inclusivity in ladies's soccer and has taken full benefit.
She wears rainbow laces on her soccer boots, rainbow armbands, frequently posts messages of LGBTQ+ help on social media and in April, devoted her purpose towards Everton to the transgender group.
“Why I discover it actually vital to unfold the phrase and stand with folks is as a result of in fashionable society if it is typically not towards you, you will not say something,” mentioned Casparij.
“It is vital that we rise up for those who want it so that they really feel supported. For instance, the trans group. They're good folks and I care about them.
“I wish to present that I stand with them. I am hoping to encourage folks to do the identical. I feel we'd like extra togetherness typically and a way of group.”
She has supported quite a few campaigns – most not too long ago turning into a patron for the LGBTQ Basis, serving to to fund helplines towards home abuse and transphobia.
“I feel queer ladies are having a tricky time in the intervening time and I wish to assist them have protected areas,” mentioned Casparij.
“In home violence, for instance, queer ladies are sometimes missed. I wish to make certain they've a spot to heal and somebody to speak to.
“I wish to be a lady that helps ladies.”
She can also be obsessed with setting an instance to younger, homosexual ladies – the kind of illustration she wished she had as a baby.
“It is good to have the ability to make different folks take away doubt. It is about serving to them to grasp why they're feeling how they're feeling,” she added.
“I at all times love being surrounded by queer folks. Feeling included and supported is vital. All I wish to do is unfold love.”
