Taking place at Liverpool Football Club’s Anfield home on Friday 20 October from 6.30pm, the three-hour long event will bring together the local community, guest speakers and former players, to recognise the multi-cultural and diverse football history on Merseyside.

On the evening, those in attendance will be provided with an update on the BAME inclusion initiatives that are currently being run on both a local and national level, in addition to a further update on the changes that have been made to The FA’s coaching pathway.

Dr Colin King, of the Black and Asian Coaches Association, will be attending as guest speaker, alongside some prominent names from sport and equality campaigning. Professional boxer Natasha Jones, actress Phina Orouche, Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend and Anna Rothery, Liverpool’s Mayoral Lead for Equality with a specific responsibility for Race Equality, will also be speaking on the night.

In addition, the evening will also include live video interviews with heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew and Liverpool legend John Barnes.

The night will also provide networking opportunities for the region’s BAME coaches, and as part of The FA’s Coach Mentor programme, coaches will also be offered on-the-ground support to assist in their development.

With interactive feedback sessions also taking place, the evening will celebrate the achievements of BAME players and coaches on Merseyside, in addition to working together to grow the number of BAME participants involved in all areas of the game.

Dave Pugh, Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool FA, said: “Liverpool FA is so proud to support Black History Month and this event provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the multi-cultural and diverse footballing history in Merseyside.

“We’ve made great strides over the past two years to increase the number of BAME players, coaches and referees within Merseyside and at this event we can celebrate and recognise all the work our staff and communities do on a daily basis to deliver football for all in Merseyside.”

Places for the evening MUST be booked in advance and can be done so via the Liverpool County FA website - click HERE

For further information, please contact Steve Swinnerton, Senior Football Services Officer, via 0151 523 4488 (Ext. 105).