March 2016

Leon joins Laurie Cunningham’s family and campaigners at Leyton Orient

I was honoured to be at the launch of a campaign to raise money to put a statue of the late great Laurie Cunningham opposite the Leyton Orient stadium.

Waltham Forest Council are leading the campaign with the help of Orient and Kick It Out, football’s inclusion and equality group, and Laurie’s family were at the launch to show their support.

Speaking on the day was Laurie’s teammate at Orient, Bobby Fisher. He relayed fantastic stories about the pioneer’s love of football and fashion – and what struck me most was Laurie’s refusal to just be one of the crowd. He expressed himself through his football and fashion at a time when it wasn’t easy to be black in the UK. 

To find out more or donate – go to www.walthamforest.gov.uk/laurieslegacy – I really hope readers get behind the campaign! 

When the Voice of Sport’s Rodney Hinds and I first spoke about putting together a list of the most influential black people in football, we had no idea it would develop to become a widely respected initiative recognised by the football family and communities across the country.

Football’s Black List has shone a light on leaders from the African Caribbean community working at all levels of football – from the grassroots to the international stage. We are incredibly proud of what we have already achieved with the list – but it is nothing without your support.

This year we call on the general public to help us identify even more leaders in football from the black community. We want you to email, tweet or write to us with your nominations for the list this year – that will be put to our panel of judges.

It may be someone working at community or grassroots level or an agent or administrator who is making an impact. Or perhaps you feel we should be celebrating a former or current player for what they are doing away from the pitch in the community. Whoever it is – please do let us know about them. 

Of course, we cannot guarantee your nomination will make the final list – but all names put forward will be considered by the panel of judges. 

Get at us and let’s celebrate our leaders and help to inspire the next generation by highlighting success from our communities.

How To Nominate

Tweet us @FootieBlackList or post us a message on our Facebook page – Football’s Black List

Send an email to info@footballblacklist.com or info@LeonMann.co.uk