The initiative, founded in 2008 by sports journalists Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, highlights the most dedicated and influential individuals from the Black community in football.
For some, sport is a competitive career, for others it’s a likeable pastime but for Rodney Hinds, currently the Sports & Features Editor of The Voice Newspaper, sports brings cohesion, pride and hope to millions of people worldwide.
In 1999 Rodney was co-author of ‘Black Pearls – an A-Z of Black Footballers in the English Game’. In recent times Rodney has penned his second book, ‘Black Lions – The Story of Black Footballers in England.’
His contribution to sports journalism was recognised when he won the Black Plus+ ‘Best Print Journalist’ and Victoria Mutual ‘Services to Cricket’ awards.
Having launched his television career on BBC Breakfast Time, Rodney has also contributed to and appeared on various sporting documentaries ‘Black Flash – A Century of Black footballers in Britain’ (BBC3), ‘Daley Thompson’ (BBC2) and ‘Mike Tyson’ (C4). He has appeared on Sky Sports and Soccer Sunday (ITV), was the sports pundit for CBBC TV Xchange children’s programme and frequently acts as sports analyst for BBC TV and radio including regular stints on Radio Five Live, Talksport, BBC 1Xtra, BBC London 94.9, FM Choice FM and Radio Leicester, BBC Birmingham and BBC Three Counties Radio in Luton.
Among his big name interviews are Viv Richards, Lennox Lewis, Kobe Bryant, Thierry Henry and Jessica Ennis to name a few.
As well as writing, Hinds is also a motivational and passionate public speaker. Hinds was the first role model for the East Enders Academy, an organisation which takes inspirational men into schools in order to boost the aspirations of young people.
