The Football Black List returned to Birmingham in 2026 for its second regional celebration, bringing together leading figures from football and the wider West Midlands to celebrate Black excellence across the game.
Supported by The Football Association (The FA) and Birmingham County FA, the event at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) continued a journey that began in 2022, when Villa Park hosted the inaugural Birmingham celebration.
The 2022 event, hosted by Birmingham-born sports broadcaster Samantha Johnson, brought together local football and community figures including Kortney Hause and Darren Moore. A panel featuring Lungi Macebo, Renee Gottshalk and former Aston Villa captain Ian Taylor explored football’s role in supporting local communities.
Awards recognised individuals making a positive impact across the region, including dual Paralympian Darren Harris PLY and Diane Sawyers of Continental Stars FC.
Returning to Birmingham four years later, the 2026 celebration was hosted by Nikki Tapper MBE and welcomed figures including Eni Aluko MBE, Kerry Davis, Tony Daley, Darren Moore, Bob Hazell, Sian Massey-Ellis MBE and Lisa Rashid.
Football Black List co-founders Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds reflected on the importance of recognising Black contribution, while Yas Mirza, EDI Director at The FA, and Kevin Shoemake, CEO of Birmingham County FA, discussed representation and community engagement across the game.
Awards were presented to Tony Daley, Dawn Miller, Daniel Allen, Marco Pratt, Myles Mayers, Zeon Campbell-Nottage, Aaron Moses-Garvey, Levi Gray and Wayne Henry, with special recognition for Denise Bellingham and Debbie Rogers, mothers of England internationals Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers.
The evening also featured a special conversation with Birmingham-raised former England international Eni Aluko MBE, in collaboration with the Black Equity Organisation, exploring her journey from Birmingham to 102 England caps and the importance of representation.
From Villa Park in 2022 to Midlands Arts Centre in 2026, the Football Black List continues to provide a platform to celebrate Black excellence and recognise those making a difference across football and communities in the West Midlands.
