Football Black List celebration heads to the West Midlands
Black communities gather in the region where England striker Ollie Watkins has shot to fame and has produced Three Lions star Jude Bellingham
The contribution of the Black community to football in the West Midlands will be celebrated this evening (Thursday 11 July) at West Bromwich Albion just days before England play in the final of Euro2024.
The Football Black List West Midlands celebration, supported by the FA, will see hundreds of incredible people come together to recognise outstanding individuals of Black heritage who will be awarded for their contribution to the game.
The initiative was founded by journalists Rodney Hinds and Leon Mann MBE in 2008. The aim of the Football Black List is to highlight and amplify Black excellence in the national sport.
The event at The Hawthorns will pay special tribute to pioneering Black player and leading administrator, Brendon Batson OBE. The former West Brom and Arsenal defender, who went on to become the Deputy Chief Executive of the PFA, will receive an award for his vast achievements in football.
Grassroots and Community heroes from the West Midlands will also be awarded for how they have positively influenced the sport and society. A panel of respected representatives from the Black community in the region, as well as senior representatives from the Birmingham FA, selected the awardees.
Pioneering Black players George Berry and Bob Hazell will take to the stage at the event to recall their memories of the famous Len Cantello ‘Black v White’ testimonial game in 1979.
The celebration will also remember the late greats Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham with the evening dictated to the memory of Kevin Campbell – who sadly passed away last month.
The event will be hosted by broadcaster Nikki Tapper and closed with a special performance from poet, Casey Bailey.
Leon Mann MBE, co-founder of the Football Black List, said:
“It feels like the perfect time to celebrate the Black contribution to football in England given the wonderful diversity of the national team heading to the final.
“It also feels particularly relevant that we are in the West Midlands – where Ollie Watkins has excelled and the home of global superstar, Jude Bellingham. Many of those attending the event will have seen Jude’s rise to stardom.
“Without the contribution of grassroots and community heroes, there are no star names on the pitches at the biggest tournaments. So events celebrating these incredible people from our communities present an important opportunity to say thank you.
“The event will reflect on the journeys of our Black pioneers and award Brendon Batson – someone who made a huge impact on and off the pitch.”
Media wishing to attend the Football Black List West Midlands celebration should email Mert@timetorefresh.co.uk to register and get further details on timings.
