On Wednesday 18th October 2023, London FA will host a networking event to as part of our Black History Month 2023 (BHM) celebrations. 

The event will be open to all of London FA’s network including clubs & leagues, charities and local authorities. The event will be run in partnership with our colleagues at Football Beyond Borders. 

Football Beyond Borders work with young people from areas of socio-economic disadvantage who are passionate about football, but disengaged at school, helping them finish school with the skills and grades to make a successful transition into adulthood. They do this by providing long-term, intensive support, built around relationships and young people’s passions, in the classroom and beyond.

This event forms part of London FA’s wider Racial Equality Action Plan, which was launched in May 2022 to combat all forms of racial discrimination across grassroots football in London. The plan was supported by a significant financial investment from both London FA and The FA and identified 17 separate actions to tackle racism in the game at a local level. Notable successes since the plan was launched include increasing the number of coaches and referees from an Asian / British Asian background, the design and delivery of a ‘Racial Discrimination in Football’ training programme for clubs and leagues and more robust processes and updated reporting mechanisms to manage discrimination incidents.

Find out more about the full plan here.

The theme of Black History Month this year is “Saluting Our Sisters” with a special recognition to leaders that have demonstrated courage and resilience. The details of the event is set out below:

Date: Wednesday 18th October 2023 
Venue: Pitch View East at Wembley Stadium. Directions can be found here.
Time: 6pm –8pm (Doors open at 5:30pm for networking)

SIGN UP FOR THE EVENT

Please note, completion of the above form is not a booking nor guarantee of reservation for the event.

What is the event:

• The event will be an inspiring and eye-opening event celebrating Black History Month 2023
• The event will recognise and reward leaders in football from Black/Black British heritage
• The event will build on London FAs intention to engage with the grassroots football community online
• The event will consist of exhibition stalls for black and/or female lead organisations. The stall should promote opportunities to further develop and provide meaningful opportunities to the football community. 
• There will also be a panel discussion followed by a keynote speaker. The event will highlight and showcase the achievements of female leaders in the game.

Emma Bloomfield, Community & Engagement Manager at Football Beyond Borders said: "Black History Month is an annual event which enables people, particularly within education, to reflect on inspirational Black leaders and their impact on the world.

"Though we know there are valid criticisms of Black History Month, we’re proud to partner with the London FA for this celebration which will see our organisations collaborate and support each other to build an equitable future for young people that can grow and last well beyond this important month."

Conor McBrearty Disability & Inclusion Officer at London FA added: "We are delighted to be working with our staff inclusion team at London FA to host this important guest speaker and panel event to celebrate Black History Month 2023."