Throughout the month of October, Cheshire FA was once again proud to acknowledge the incredible impact and contribution made by the Black community across football in our region, as we celebrated Black History Month.

With COVID-19 putting a pause on the ability to host our annual Black History Month event in 2020, we were delighted to welcome the event back this year. 

Taking place on 11 October at Cheshire FA, we were delighted to welcome people from across the local, regional and national footballing community from all backgrounds.

Those in attendance were treated to some fantastic talks delivered by our guest speakers, who included Edleen John, The FA’s International, Corporate Affairs and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Director; John Folwell, The FA’s Head of Grassroots Coach Development; Raj Randhawa, Northern Grassroots Officer for Kick It Out; former England international forward, Emile Heskey, and former Barbados international defender, Emmerson Boyce.

In addition to the talks delivered, a panel discussion also took place that involved Kimiyo Rickett, Cheshire FA Inclusion Advisory Board Member; Asad Qureshi of Sport England, Dr. Colin King, Les Howie and Edleen.

The whole evening provided those in attendance an opportunity to celebrate Black History Month, as well as the various positive contributions through the speakers on the night, that we have made both in football and the wider society.

On the evening, we spoke to three people in attendance who kindly shared what Black History Month means to them. Take a look at the video below.

Kimiyo and Ugo

Sarah and Chris

“We would like to extend a really big thanks to everyone who supported this year’s Black History Month,” said Steve Smithies, CEO of Cheshire FA.

“For me, personally, I am really proud that Cheshire FA is a County FA that celebrates and embraces inclusion across the game.”

OUR WORK CONTINUES

Whilst Black History Month may be over, Cheshire FA will be working in partnership with the new FA Regional Coach Development Officers to continue to offer support to coaches of all levels within the grassroots game in Cheshire.

We are looking to introduce a localised coach development offer that will involve the delivery of local events and workshops, and provide targeted support for female and Black and Asian coaches, in addition to a variety of other opportunities to support ALL coaches.

Please click here to find out more about this coach development offer and the events we’re hosting – and keep an eye on our dedicated coach education Twitter feed - @CCFACoaches