Celebrating Black History Month
Every year since 1987 the month of October has been dedicated to raising awareness and paying tribute to black history in the UK. It is a celebration of the contributions and achievements by people of Black, Asian and mixed heritage.
To celebrate Black History Month 2020, Gloucestershire FA hosted an online webinar with special guests offering insights into their journeys, experiences in football and celebrating local & national BAME culture and heritage. The evening included presentations on Playing, Coaching and Refereeing in the game as well as other opportunities.
Attendees heard from the Gloucestershire FA Inclusion Advisory Board (IAG) Chair Suzette Davenport & (IAG) Mohammed Patel.
An insight into how FA Education will be moving forward was given by National Coach Development Lead (Diversity & Inclusion) Steve Smithies, Coach Development Officer for the South West (D&I) Lawrence Lok and National Coach Development Lead (mentoring) Andy Somers.
Kick It Out Grassroots Manager, Tajean Hutton who is responsible for the implementation of organisations work in grassroots football spoke of his experience in football and how he got into his current position.
Furthermore, we heard from Bristol Central Youth Football Club Chairman, Derek Scale; the inner-city Bristol club have produced a supply of talent who have gone on to play professionally in years gone by (Bobby Decordova-Reid, Lloyd Kelly, Rolando Aarons).
Sam Allison joined to recount his story from semi-professional footballer to becoming the first black Referee in the Football League in over a decade.
You can watch extracts or the full webinar from the evening, including an exclusive interview given to us by Bristol City first-team defender, Zak Vyner on the GFA YouTube channel.
Furthermore, please see the Fact Sheet below with the relevant contact information from the evening.