The influence of inspirational black role models working in the British game, including at Premier League clubs, has been highlighted with the release of the 2021 Football Black List.
The latest edition of the initiative, which has been proudly supported by the Premier League for a number of years, includes Tottenham Hotspur head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
Football Black List co-founder Rodney Hinds said: "The quality of nominees and awardees goes from strength to strength.
"Our community continues to play a major, and increasing role, within football. There is no room for complacency as the sport in terms of inclusivity still has lots of room for improvement.
"The Football Black List is here to stay and the goals remain; to promote black excellence and diversify the game."
Achievements recognised
Arsenal Women's forward Nikita Parris and Aston Villa Women's defender Anita Asante have been recognised for their performances, while the importance of those working in other areas of the game has also been celebrated.
Spurs have secured a double, with the club's head of safeguarding and welfare Dayne Matthieu being named on the list alongside the chief executive of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, Sarah Ebanja.
Similarly, Manchester United's head of player development Justin Cochrane is joined by Andrew Laylor, the school partnership officer at the club's Foundation.
West Ham United's director of safeguarding and inclusion Jackie Ferdinand is also being honoured, as is the Premier League's equality advisor Paul Monekosso Cleal OBE.
Leon Mann MBE, the other co-founder of the Football Black List, said: "Black excellence in football is regularly talked about on the pitch and we want to help highlight the contribution of black leaders off the field in the sport, too."
