Celebrating Diversity in Football: The Black in the Game Exhibition

The Black in the Game exhibition at the National Football Museum in Manchester highlights the contributions of individuals from African and Caribbean communities to football. Curated over three years by a panel of footballers and academics, the exhibition features memorabilia from notable figures such as Khadija Shaw, the current top scorer in the Women's Super League, and historical pioneers like Andrew Watson, the first black international player for Scotland in 1881. The exhibition aims to celebrate sporting success while also addressing the cultural impact and historical struggles faced by black heritage individuals in football.

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Mary Phillip, a co-curator and the first black woman to captain England, emphasizes the importance of representation in inspiring future generations. She notes that the exhibition allows young players to envision themselves in leadership roles, stating, “It’s about allowing players to see that greatness can happen.” Dr. Paul Campbell, an associate professor and chair of the co-curatorial group, adds that the exhibition seeks to present an honest narrative, acknowledging both the achievements and the historical exclusions faced by black heritage individuals in the sport.

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The exhibition places significant emphasis on women's football, showcasing memorabilia from past and present Lionesses, including Kerry Davis, who was the first black woman to play for England. Davis reflects on the progress of women's football, noting that while growth has been slower than anticipated, recent successes, such as the Lionesses' victories in the UEFA Women's Euro, represent a significant milestone. She stresses the need for continued investment at the grassroots level to nurture future talent.

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While the exhibition celebrates achievements, it also serves as a reminder of ongoing challenges. Recent incidents of racism directed at players, including Jess Carter and Vinícius Júnior, highlight the need for continued education and awareness. Davis acknowledges that her experiences with racism were different due to her lower visibility during her playing career, stating, “Are we doing enough to educate people?” She calls for a broader understanding that transcends skin color, urging society to recognize individuals for their abilities rather than their differences.

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The exhibition has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which provided funding. The curators aim to inspire and educate visitors about the rich history and contributions of black heritage individuals in football, while also addressing the barriers they have faced.

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The Black in the Game exhibition will remain open until March 8, 2026, providing an opportunity for the public to engage with its themes of diversity, inclusion, and the ongoing fight against racism in sports.

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• “It lets the young kids now look forward saying: ‘It can happen, I can be the next black player to wear the armband.’ Look at Michelle Agyemang at the Euros, a young player coming through – what is stopping her in the next few years getting that armband and going strong with it? It’s about allowing players to see that greatness can happen.” — Mary Phillip, Co-curator

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• “This is also showcasing and capturing the kind of historical exclusions and struggles, barriers that black heritage people have felt and have been subjected to, not just historically, but also contemporarily,” — Dr. Paul Campbell, Associate Professor

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• “And the biggest thing for me is grassroots.” — Kerry Davis, Former England Player

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• “You could say a lot of that England team at the Euros in 2025 weren’t always in the rhythm that we wanted to be, not just Jess, but they [racists] look at one player, the colour of the skin, and that’s the person who gets the abuse. You’ve got to educate people into not looking at someone just because they’re different.” — Kerry Davis, Former England Player

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