The Football Black List was delighted to welcome Barclays as the first-ever title sponsor of a dedicated category for the Football Black List 2025, marking a significant milestone in the initiative’s ongoing growth and impact.
As part of the partnership, the Barclays Community and Grassroots Award celebrates individuals driving football forward at a local level. From coaches and volunteers to organisers and community leaders, the category recognises those whose dedication creates opportunities, inspires participation and strengthens communities through the game.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between Barclays and the Football Black List to champion inclusion, recognise excellence and shine a light on the people making a meaningful difference across football. By supporting this dedicated award, Barclays is helping to elevate the stories of grassroots football’s unsung heroes and ensure their contributions receive the recognition they deserve.
We go #BackToTheRoots with Susan Patterson-Smith, Head of Pathways and Learning at Palace for Life Foundation.
We go #BackToTheRoots with Karla Parker balancing life in the NHS with leading Haringey Borough Women — showing women and girls what's possible on and off the pitch.
We go #BackToTheRoots with Lincoln Moses and Continental Star FC — a club built on opportunity, community and belief, nurturing players and leaders for more than three decades.
We go #BackToTheRoots with Joel Mannix from @bamrefofficial as he supports grassroots referee Nicola Mtetwa — inspiring the next generation to forge their own path in the game.
We go #BackToTheRoots with Highfield Rangers legend Solomon Paul who has dedicated 55 years to his club.
