Black in the Game Exhibition Celebrates Football's Pioneering Black Players
A groundbreaking exhibition at the National Football Museum in Manchester is shining a spotlight on the significant contributions of black footballers, both on and off the pitch. Titled "Black in the Game," this powerful display not only celebrates sporting success but also delves into the historical exclusions and struggles faced by players from African and Caribbean communities.
Honouring Trailblazers and Modern Icons
Among the highlights of the exhibition are tributes to pioneers like Kerry Davis, who made history as the first black woman to play for England in 1982, scoring 44 goals for her country. The showcase also features modern-day stars such as Khadija Shaw, the current top scorer in the Women's Super League, and includes match-worn shirts and memorabilia from figures like Nikita Parris and Pelé.
Mary Phillip, a co-curator and the first black woman to captain England in 2003, donated her shirt from Arsenal's quadruple-winning season. She describes the exhibition as "mind-blowing and breathtaking," emphasizing its role in inspiring young players to see that "greatness can happen."
Addressing Racism and Exclusion
The exhibition comes at a timely moment, following incidents of racism directed at players like Jess Carter during the European Championship and Jessica Naz through social media. Dr Paul Campbell, chair of the co-curatorial group, notes that the display aims to present an honest history, capturing both achievements and the barriers faced by black heritage individuals in football.
Kerry Davis reflects on the differences in visibility and racism between her era and today, stating, "You've got to educate people into not looking at someone because they're different." The exhibition, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will remain open until 8 March, serving as both an educational tool and a source of inspiration.
Women's Football Takes Centre Stage
Women's football is prominently featured, with mementos from past and present Lionesses highlighting the growth of the game. Davis expresses optimism about the progress, particularly after England's recent Euros victories, but stresses the need for continued investment in grassroots development to nurture future talent.
The exhibition also includes recognition for off-pitch contributions, such as a banner celebrating Marcus Rashford's campaign for free school meals, underscoring the cultural impact of football figures beyond the field.
Additional Football Updates
In other news, Trinity Rodman will be the sole member of the US "Triple Espresso" front line in the SheBelieves Cup, as Sophia Wilson continues her recovery post-pregnancy. Birmingham City's women's team has seen investment from tennis champion Kim Clijsters, while Real Madrid will face Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals. Crystal Palace's recent win in WSL 2 has boosted their promotion hopes, and Manchester United's goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce remains confident ahead of their Champions League clash.
