TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD and Vincent Kompany lead the nominees for the latest edition of the Football Black List.
The annual award shines a light on the most influential black people in British football.
And it also highlights trailblazers working across all areas of the game from the black community.
Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling all featured on last year’s list of nominees.
But it’s Liverpool and England star Alexander-Arnold who leads the latest batch of players.
He has been enjoying an excellent season for his club.
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And although currently injured, Alexander-Arnold is sure to play a huge role for England at this summer’s Euros.
Other players nominated include Burnley’s Lyle Foster, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, Man United’s Nikita Parris and Chelsea’s Jess Carter.
Elsewhere, Burnley boss Kompany is up in the Coaching and Management section.
The Belgian stormed the Championship to win the title last season.
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And he faces competition from Birmingham chief Hope Powell, Hull boss Liam Rosenior, Port Vale manager Darren Moore and West Ham coach Nicole Farley.
The Football Black List was founded in 2008 and has a panel made up of representatives from the Premier League, FA, League Managers Association, Professional Footballers Association, EFL, PGMOL and Kick It Out.
Leon Mann MBE, co-found 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 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.
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“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.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
