Nominations are now open for the 2025 Football Black List, calling on the public to help recognise and celebrate the achievements of Black individuals making a difference across all areas of football.
Founded in 2008 by sports journalists Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, the Football Black List shines a light on Black excellence in the game – recognising players, coaches, executives, media professionals, and community heroes who are driving positive change both on and off the pitch.
This year’s nominations launch comes alongside an exciting new partnership with Barclays, which will spotlight community and grassroots heroes through the newly titled Barclays Community and Grassroots category.
The category will honour those delivering football in local communities – from coaches and volunteers to organisers who inspire others through the grassroots game. Barclays becomes the first title supporter of a dedicated category within the Football Black List, joining the Premier League and Football Association as official partners.
Nominations are open until 21 November 2025 at www.footballblacklist.com, with a celebration event set to take place in April 2026.
To inspire nominations, the Football Black List, Barclays and Premier League are also launching ‘Back to the Roots’, a new content series fronted by leading creator, Tyra Mills, highlighting powerful stories of Black achievement in grassroots football across the UK.
Leon Mann MBE, Co-Founder of the Football Black List, said: “The Football Black List and its impact is growing year and year thanks to the engagement and support of communities across the country and the football industry. We are excited to see the nominations start coming in!
“This is also a special moment for the initiative as we welcome Barclays to the Football Black List family. It’s an exciting partnership and one where we can amplify the incredible leaders in grassroots football and the community.”
Tom Corbett, Group Head of Sponsorship and Client Experience at Barclays, said: “We deeply believe that there is no sport without grassroots sport – it’s the foundation of our nation’s game. That’s why we invest £5 million each year into grassroots programmes, opening doors for more people to play, grow, and thrive. It’s also why we’re proud to partner with the Football Black List, honouring the community heroes who are driving change and making sport more inclusive across the country, week in and week out.”
