The Football Black List celebrates diversity

The eight edition of the Football Black List was held lastTuesday evening (28th March), honouring esteemed African and Caribbean athletes for achievements in football.

The Football Black List, founded by Leon Mann and Rodney Kinds in 2008, hosted over 300 guests and presented awards in six different categories.

Striker for Chelsea Ladies, Eniola Aluko and retired paralympian, Alistar Patrick Heselton, were honoured with awards in the player category.

Kick it Out chairman, Lord Herman Ouseley, was tributed in the administration category - along with Chelsea’s technical director, Michael Emenalo.

Marcia Willis-Steward, the lead solicitor for the 76 families represented at the Hillsborough inquest, received an award in the commercial category.

Andy Cole, Jason Roberts MBE and Tony Collins - the first black manager in the football league - all took home the most esteemed Keith Alexander Award.

Rachel Yankey OBE and sports correspondent Samantha were awarded for their achievements in media work. The awards in the coaching category was bestowed upon Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Chris Hughton and West Bromwich Albion coach, Darren Moore.

Many big faces in football were seen on stage that night. Norwich’s Sebastien Bassong and Derby County’s Nick Blackman and Bradley Johnson presented the awards. Yannick Bolasie and Peter Odemwingie also showed their support on stage.

Leon Mann expressed his desire for the Football Black List to motivate and inspire the next generation of black leaders to make names for themselves in sports:

This feels like a big moment for the black community. We had so many influencers from across the football industry and community in the room all celebrating success and discussing how we address under representation away from the pitch in areas such as coaching, management and at board level. From here we can only move forward.”

http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/football-black-list-celebration-hit

Teshura Adams