Solomon Paul recognised on the 2023 Football Black List
Our very own Solomon Paul has been recognised for his many years of work within grassroots football, in this years prestegous Football Black List awards – an initiative shining a light on the most influential Black people in British football.
The Football Black List, founded in 2008 by sports journalists Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, highlights trailblazers working across all areas of the game from the Black community.
A panel of experts drawn from the football industry and the Black community independently vote on nominations made by the public to determine who makes the list.
The panel included representation from the Premier League, The Football Association, League Managers Association, Professional Footballers Association, English Football League, PGMOL and Kick It Out.
The Voice Newspaper is the exclusive home of the Football Black List, creating an opportunity to celebrate individuals whilst also encouraging conversation on how best to address the under-representation of people from African and Caribbean backgrounds off the pitch.
Crucially, the list also helps to shine a light on those working in the community and at grassroots level of the game, who often go uncelebrated.
We are delighted to announce that next month the Football Black List celebration will return to London.
Leon Mann MBE, co-founder of the Football Black List, said:
“The Football Black List this year once again serves as a reminder of the positive contribution those of African and Caribbean heritage are making to the game both on and off the pitch. However, we still face significant issues of underrepresentation that require urgent attention.
“On the pitch in the Premier League 43% of the players are Black, according to the Black Footballers Partnership. But there is an ongoing lack of diversity across all other areas of football – from the Boardroom to the Dugouts. Therefore it is vital we shine a light on the role models leading the way for the next generation to follow into the sport to help address this.”
Fellow co-founder of the initiative, Rodney Hinds, added:
“The Football Black List has been endorsed by the Black community and that provides a great sense of pride. The growing number of industry supporters is significant and appreciated too. Quite rightly, the Football Black List is about those doing great work within the game, so congratulations to all the awardees. They are inspiring future generations.
“It’s now been 15 years since the start of the Football Black List and that is a massive achievement for all those that have backed the initiative. Myself and Leon are grateful.”
Please find the full Football Black List 2023 the link below:
