Inspirational talent from across the East Midlands were in attendance at the Football Black List Regional Celebration at the City Ground in Nottingham last month.
Those awarded included a number of community role models, such as experienced referee and trailblazer Patsy Andrews, PFA youth advisor, Brent Freeman and the biggest multicultural club across Leicestershire – Leicester Nirvana.
Accolades were also given to Highfield FC, a club established in 1970 by a group of immigrants from the West Indies who have since gone on to achieve success in all age groups, earning several league titles and cups.
Supported by the Football Association, FBL Nottingham was hosted by journalist and member of England’s first black female-led football podcast, Anita Abayomi, and internet personality turned content creator, Ikenna Ekwonna.
Figures from across the East Midlands turned up in impressive numbers to celebrate those paving the way for black excellence within the community and grassroots. Among the attendees was former professional footballer and now an England coach, Michael Johnson plus the FA’s Diversity and Inclusion lead Anwar Uddin, FA Community Champion Terry Singh and Nottingham Forest content creator, Dore on Tour.
Accompanying the awards ceremony, the evening enjoyed an intriguing panel discussion featuring former Nottingham Forest player Jason Lee, EFL assistant referee Akin Howson, Notts County Foundation trustee Juliet Bertie and Education Lead at Nottingham Forest Max McLeod.
Football Black List co-founder, Leon Mann MBE, said “The evening was a huge success. It brought together the Black community in the game in the East Midlands for a celebration that shone a light on the immense contributions to football from those of African and Caribbean heritage.
“The Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire and Rutland County FA’s were well represented at the event. The coming together of these authorities with the Black community made for a truly powerful Football Black List event. Huge thanks to the Football Association for their support – which made the event possible – and also Nottingham Forest for hosting us at the City Ground.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with all the stakeholders at the event as we help to diversify the workforce of those working and volunteering across the game.”
The Football Black List would like to thank everyone who attended and played their part in making a great evening.
Football Black List Nottingham 2023 – Award Winners
Emma Trent
Brent Freeman
Kamen Jackson
Martin Hickey
Everton Richards
Patsy Andrews
Leicester Nirvana FC
Highfield Rangers FC
Click below to watch our FBL Nottingham highlights film:
