FFC Duo's Football Black List Inclusion

Cyrus Christie has been named on the 2021 Football Black List, which recognises the UK’s most influential individuals from the black community working within football.

The Football Black List aims to shine a light on the black professionals working throughout the industry to inspire the next generation of leaders in sport.

Joining Cyrus in receiving the 2021 Players Off The Pitch accolade, is Anita Asante (Aston Villa Women), Nikita Parris (Arsenal Women), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), and Ivan Toney (Brentford).

Discussing Cyrus' inclusion, a spokesperson for the Black List said: “Cyrus established his foundation in 2020 and has since supported hundreds of young people through various initiatives, such as providing food packages, laptop donations and positive online messaging projects. He is committed to improving the lives of young people and continues to be a source of guidance for them.”

Following nominations from the public, an expert panel from the Black community and football industry voted as to who should make the List, and its co-founder Leon Mann MBE said: “Black excellence in football is regularly talked about on the pitch - and we want to help highlight the contribution of Black leaders off the field in the sport, too.

“This list of influential game changers is a snapshot of the contribution Black communities are making to football. Those named today join an illustrious group who have featured on the list over the last decade - including the likes of Raheem Sterling, Ian Wright, Hope Powell, Rio Ferdinand, Herman Ouseley and Rachel Yankey.”

Speaking to fulhamfc.com, Cyrus commented: “It’s amazing to be a part of, and to know that you’re an inspiration for the younger black kids who look up to you. It’s also amazing to be recognised alongside such great individuals who have done so much.

“Over the years, not so much now, a lot of black people didn’t get recognised for what they’d done, what they’d achieved, so it’s great that we’ve got the Football Black List to recognise what people are doing for their culture.

“There’s a lot of people out there doing great things, so to be picked out from such a wide variety and pool of people is fantastic.

“The work being done, it’s not for recognition, but at the same time you have to keep it public to make sure that certain problems and things like that are being highlighted. That’s the way that you keep it going, and that’s the way you inspire people.

“Like I said, it’s great to be recognised as an inspirational figure within that community.”

Cyrus was not the only Fulham representative to be included on the List, with the Club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Executive Jamie Dapaah named among the Ugo Ehiogu ‘Ones To Watch’.

“I am honoured to be recognised by the Football Blacklist for the Ugo Ehiogu Ones To Watch 2021 award,” Jamie said.

“Ugo was a player I admired growing up and through this award I hope I can continue to spread his positive message on inclusion in sport.

“I would like to thank all my colleagues at Fulham Football Club for their continued support, and this award also represents the hard work that goes on behind the scenes at the Club.”