Kerry Davis made her England debut in 1982
Kerry Davis, who was the first black woman to play for England, will be celebrated at an annual ceremony highlighting the most influential black people in British football.
Davis, who won 82 England caps between 1982 and 1998, has been recognised for her achievements in women’s football.
“I’m very honoured, very humbled,” Davis said.
“It shines a light on the generation that I played with, because we’ve never really had a lot of recognition.”
The former Croydon, Liverpool and Napoli forward added: “In football [I encountered] casual racism more so, with people’s throwaway remarks. I ignored it. I wanted to play football, it was a passion.
“As you get older, you have more courage and if somebody says something in front of you then maybe [you can] explain to them why the language they’re using is disrespectful.”
Davis will receive the Keith Alexander Award and is being celebrated alongside a wide range of influential figures of Caribbean and African heritage.
“She is a pioneer and a leader,” said Football Black List founder Leon Mann.
“We feel she should be more visible to the next generation and celebrated by all those who love football.”
The annual Football Black List recognises the efforts of black figures working in various areas of the game.
“It is a particularly important time to be celebrating women of colour, given the recent abuse of Black women both in politics and football. We must stand together and reject this discrimination,” added co-founder Mann who, alongside Rodney Hinds, came up with the initiative.
“This event would not be possible without the support of the Black community and the wider football family. I would like to thank the Premier League for continuing to support this important celebration.”
England internationals Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nikita Parris and Jess Carter have been named on the 2023 players list, along with Burnley’s Lyle Foster and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany and former England manager Hope Powell, who is currently women’s technical director at Birmingham City, are on the coaching list.
They are joined by Hull City boss Liam Rosenior, Port Vale manager Darren Moore and West Ham academy coach Nicole Farley.
2024-03-21 14:48:44
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