While one in three professional players in the UK are black, there is a well documented lack of representation in all other areas across the sport. So to help highlight and celebrate members of the black community, who are making waves in football away from playing, it is vital individuals are put forward for consideration.
Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, said: “The Football Black List has received both national and international praise for shining a light on the incredible talent working in the game. It is now a big deal in the football industry.
“Every year we get brilliant entries but we also learn about those who haven’t been featured as they weren’t nominated. It is important to us to ensure that the initiative is as inclusive and welcoming to everyone as possible. So we urge people not to be shy, spread the word and nominate colleagues or even put themselves forward!
“The publication of the list and the national celebration gets a lot of attention, however, if people don’t put themselves forward at the nominations stage they will miss out on any chance of being recognised. So please get involved!”
Household names and highly respected people from the industry including – Rio Ferdinand, Dame Heather Rabbatts, Lord Herman Ouseley, Alex Scott, Yaya Touré, Rachel Yankey and Jason Roberts – have all featured on the list alongside community heroes, leading administrators, grassroots coaches and successful business leaders.
The founders of the initiative believe by highlighting role models – working across a wide range of positions in football – young people, in particular, will be more encouraged to think about how they can get involved in the sport beyond the field of play.
The initiative, is being backed by the Premier League, The FA, Professional Footballers Association, League Managers Association, BCOMS, FARE and Kick It Out.
The list is published exclusively in The Voice Newspaper every year to ensure it is rooted in the African and Caribbean community.
HOW TO NOMINATE
Anyone can be nominated for the Football Black List. They just need to work or be active in football. You can even nominate yourself!
The categories for nominations are: Administration, Community and Grassroots, Cyrille Regis’ Players (for off the field work), Media, Practitioners, Coaching and Management, Commercial and Ugo Ehiogu’s Ones To Watch (under 30 and excelling).
Email nominations to: info@footballblacklist.com
Closing date: 31st July 2019
