I was delighted to put together a short poem for the Premier League Writing Stars initiative. The theme was diversity and my 7 year old daughter helped me write it.
You can have a butchers at my effort here…
THE PRESTIGIOUS players awards at the Football Black List celebration have been renamed after the late great Cyrille Regis.
Footballers, managers, senior administrators, politicians, community activists and grassroots coaches came together to celebrate the renaming of the player awards and 10 years of the initiative on what was a very special night.
Liverpool forward, Mo Salah, Newcastle winger, Christian Atsu, Aston Villa loanee, Yannick Bolasie, former Tottenham Hotspur Ladies player, Eartha Pond and the recently retired, Liam Rosenior, were the first recipients of the newly named awards in honour of the pioneering black footballer – who also made great strides as a mentor and agent when he finished his playing career.
The Football Black List celebration, supported by the Premier League, highlights the contributions of people from African and Caribbean backgrounds to the game – a group that is under represented away from the pitch.
While more than 30 per cent of professional players in the UK are black, there are just seven BAME managers across the 92 clubs, and only one Chairman. To help address this the Football Black List shines a light on those who are inspiring the next generation to consider roles in the game away from playing.
Award categories include coaching and management, administration, media, commercial, community and practitioners.
Cyrille’s wife, Julia Regis, said: “The family welcome the renaming of the Football Black List players award for contribution to football and beyond, and know Cyrille would have been touched by this.
“Cyrille spent much of his time mentoring and advising players, not only on how to maximise their potential on the field but also off it.
“Footballers have a great opportunity to use their profile and status to help support and push forward positive change in communities and Cyrille was always very keen to encourage this.”
Rodney Hinds, co-founder of the Football Black List and Voice of Sport editor said: “Cyrille is a true football pioneer. We were all devastated by his passing but it was a real privilege to be in his presence at the last Football Black List awards.
“To be able to honour outstanding contributions to the beautiful game, like Cyrille, is part of the thinking behind the Football Black List and we are delighted to do so.”
Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, added: “Cyrille was a big supporter of the Football Black List and we were honoured he could join us last year where he was awarded for his outstanding contribution to the game and the black community.
“We all owe a great deal to Cyrille and we are delighted his family were supportive of our suggestion to rename the player awards and ensure he will always be a part of our celebration.”
There were also special awards – named in honour of the late Keith Alexander – given to outstanding individuals for their work in the game – for footballers Lianne Sanderson and Eniola Aluko.
One of the world’s first black professional footballers was remembered at the event through the Walter Tull award – given to historian Phil Vasili – marking 100 years since the pioneer died during World War 1, while serving as the first black British officer to command white troops.
The initiative also recognised the next generation of leaders in the sport from the black community – through the Ugo Ehiogu Ones to Watch awards.
Ugo’s wife, Gemma said of the newly expanded award:
“Ugo was hugely supportive of the Black List and very grateful to the work that Leon and his team did in organising such a worthwhile event. I remember him coming home with the “One to Watch” award in 2016 which he didn’t expect to win. That award meant as much to him as anything he’d ever won.”
Ugo’s brother Alosie also stated:
“The award signifies the potential in how there can be no ceiling if you work hard to pursue your goals. The Ugo Legacy hopefully will resonate with young people for years to come, and set the standards, he set himself in life. Ugo never forgot his grassroots as he supported and mentored those around him. The award will be a challenge to all aspiring up and coming young talented individuals to realize their potential in life.”
Ugo’s sister Ola said:
“This award is very important to me because Ugo was far more than an ex- footballer and a coach. Ugo was a mentor to many people both on and off the pitch. Ugo never forgot his roots and was committed to supporting community events and organisations that were close to his heart. Ugo always encouraged people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential. It is therefore very fitting that this awarded continues the legacy that Ugo started.”
Ugo’s brother Andy also added:
“The award is very important to me because my brother Ugo played a huge part in the black community and had massive promise to become an excellent coach, He had close links with grass roots clubs in the local area.
“The thought of his legacy continuing is very important to me as he was about supporting people and developing them with sound advice, mentoring young coaches and players at spurs. He was an amazing brother and father and was always seeing good in people.
“I am keen to celebrate similar successes with people who are devoting their time and hard work to projects and local communities schemes.”
The official charity partner of the Football Black List this year is Prostate Cancer UK. One in four black men will get the cancer, so the event hopes to raise awareness of the importance of regular health checks to detect any issues as early as possible.