During Black History Month 2023, we are asking participants, coaches and volunteers at the Trust to nominate their role models. 

This is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise inspiring people from African and Caribbean communities.

Premier League Kicks coach Jonah Anderson | Nominee: Raheem Shaquille Sterling MBE
Raheem is a professional footballer who plays for Premier League club Chelsea F.C and the England national team. 

Jonah has nominated Sterling, for continuing to take a brave and courageous stand against racism.

Raheem has emerged as an anti-racism campaigner after a string of incidents in his personal life and during matches for his club and country.

Premier League Kicks volunteer coach Curtis Ishmael | Nominee: Denzel Hayes Washington Jr.
Denzel is an American actor, producer, and director. In a career spanning over four decades, Denzel has received numerous accolades including a Tony Award, two academy awards and presidential medal of freedom.

Denzel was nominated as he was one of the first black actors to breakthrough (trailblazer) and for all his charitable work. True to his character, Denzel is as an honourable character on screen and a noble human off the screen.

Premier League Kicks volunteer coach Jawad Nasir | Nominee: Sadio Mane
Sadio is Senegalese professional footballer who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and the Senegal national team.

Jawad believes Sane is one of the game’s genuine good guys, even rival fans find it difficult to dislike him.

Sadio has disproved the stereotype of a modern footballer. His generosity and charitable work are truly amazing, in his home country Senegal he has built schools, a stadium, provided clothes, shoes, food for people who are in extreme poverty and has donated thousands of pounds.

Premier League Kicks participant Ahmadou Diakhate | Nominee: Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick was an American actor, best known for playing Black Panther.

Boseman was nominated as he was a very humble and inspirational human being. Chadwick’s genius was to embody black pride, in all its forms.

Premier League Kicks participant Mohammed Ali and PL Kicks Young Leader Taylor Morris | Nominee: Idris Elba OBE
Idris Is an English actor, writer, producer, rapper, singer, songwriter and DJ. Best known for roles including DCI John Luther in the series Luther and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela.

Tyle nominated Idris for simply being an inspirational and multi-talented human being.

Premier League Kicks participant – Haben Tesfu | Nominee: Tupac Shakur
Tupac was an American rapper, songwriter, poet and actor. Better known by his stage name 2Pac.

He was known for addressing contemporary social issues that plagued the disadvantaged communities, he is considered a symbol of resistance and activism against inequality.

PL Kicks participant – Kadeem Hamid | Nominee: Marcus Rashford MBE
Marcus Rashford is a professional footballer who plays for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team.

Marcus is known for his tireless work in trying to end child food poverty and persuading the Government to change they decision to extend the free school meals voucher scheme.

PL Kicks participant Ajay Thomas | Nominee: Jackie Roosevelt Robinson
Jackie was an American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB). Reason.

Jackie was ambitious, determined, and fearless on his journey to break through the prevailing race barriers of his time. He was the first African American inducted into the Hall of Fame.

PL Kicks participant Filmon Tesfa | Nominee: Akon 
Akon is a Senegalese – American hip hop singer, songwriter and record producer. 

Akon was nominated for his amazing charity work for underprivileged children in Africa.

Early Years Physical Activity Officer Lauren Finlay | Nominee: Rosa Parks 
Rosa was an American activist in the civil rights movement best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. The United States Congress has honoured her as "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement".

Lauren nominated Rosa for her courage and bravery to fight for injustice and inequality.

PL Kicks coach Paul Adeyemo | Nominee: Laurie Cunningham
Laurie Cunningham was the first black player to represent England in a competitive fixture, which led the way for other black players to be recognised and is still an inspiration for young black players.

PL Kicks Participant Kaelum Pearce | Nominee: Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne is an American – Canadian actor, producer, businessman, retired professional wrestler and former American football and Canadian football player. Also known by his ring name the Rock. He’s been nominated for his mentality, despite suffering numerous setbacks in his life.

Kaelum believes he didn’t let the setbacks stop him from achieving his goals. He is an advocate in hard work and never giving up.

PL Kicks participant - Mohammed Diakhate | Nominee: Paul Pogba
Paul is a professional footballer who plays for Premier League club Manchester United and the France national team.

Pogba was chosen by Mohammed for winning numerous awards and trophies including the FIFA U20s World cup and the FIFA World Cup.