Everton’s first Black captain, the late Kevin Campbell, World In One City, and local leaders honoured for their inspiring impact on football and community across Liverpool.
Refresh Sports delivered an unforgettable evening of recognition and unity at Anfield Stadium, where the Football Black List (FBL) celebrated Black excellence in football and community leadership across Liverpool. Supported by The FA, the event brought together grassroots champions, football legends, and changemakers from across the region.
Hosted by dynamic local personality Rubi Deschamps, the celebration began with an awards ceremony recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to local football. These included achievements in coaching, refereeing, managing, and playing at the community level.
A moving tribute honoured the late Kevin Campbell, who made history as Everton’s first Black captain. Affectionately known as “Super Kev”, Campbell was celebrated for both his achievements on the pitch and his mentorship off it. His sister, Lorna Campbell, accepted the award and shared heartfelt reflections on his legacy. Campbell was widely respected for helping keep Everton in the Premier League and for guiding a young Wayne Rooney, leaving a lasting mark on the club and city.
Also recognised was World In One City, a grassroots football project founded by Imad Ali in 2021. Based on a World Cup-style format, the initiative brings together teams representing different nations and backgrounds, using football as a vehicle for unity, inclusion, and community building. It is now seen as a vital part of Liverpool’s sporting and cultural landscape.
In 2024, Liverpool legend John Barnes, born in Jamaica and a former England international, praised the initiative:
“It’s a great occasion because it’s bigger than football. It’s about people coming together, communities supporting each other, and showing how vibrant and diverse this city truly is.”
The night concluded with a special Q&A featuring Howard Gayle, Liverpool FC’s first Black player. Although he made just five appearances for the club, Gayle is remembered for his outstanding performance in the 1981 European Cup Semi-Final. He spoke candidly about the racism faced by Black players during his career and shared insights into his current work as an activist and community advocate.
Award winner, Comfort Etim, who founded local football team, ‘Comfort Angels’ for women seeking asylum and providing a safe space and peer support, was also recognised for her work supporting women in football.
She said to the BBC: “I’ve been looking for ways to help women who have settled in the UK to use football as an initiative to empower them and help them in a new place that they now call home.
“Comfort Angels have been supported by Liverpool FA and Liverpool FC Foundation, and they have had such an amazing impact with what we do. The women who are part of Comfort Angels are all from diverse backgrounds and all we want to do is to make sure that every woman is being celebrated and supported. Having this space for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, for me, is a dream come true.”
Rodney Hinds, co-founder of the Football Black List, shared his reflections:
“Seeing the local community in Liverpool come together to celebrate Black excellence in football was truly inspiring.
“The energy in the room showed just how powerful this movement has become. Leon Mann and I are humbled by the support and remain committed to spotlighting those making a difference, and lighting the path for the next generation.”
