Arthur Wharton, the first black professional footballer, is featured in the exhibition

Pioneers Exhibition

he rich history of black players in British football is documented in Kick It Out's Pioneers, Past Masters and Future Challenges exhibition.

This visually stunning exhibition celebrates the achievements of pioneering sporting heroes setting their achievements against the sporting and historical backdrops.

Issues such as racism and under-representation in areas such as management and coaching and the need for more professional Asian players are explored.

Black footballers currently account for more than 25 per cent of professional players in the English football leagues and are familiar fixtures on the pitch.

From Wharton to the modern era.
When the first black player in English football, Arthur Wharton, joined Preston North End as a goalkeeper in the 1880's, he faced many challenges. Though Wharton was talented and rumoured to be a good enough goalkeeper to play for England, he was never considered for the role, due in part to the racial prejudices of the time.

It took 90 years before a black football player represented England. Nottingham Forest defender Viv Anderson, played on 29th November 1978, against Czechoslovakia at Wembley Stadium.

The exhibition charts and celebrates the progression and achievements of black and Asian players in the game while exploring issues of equality and diversity facing the game today.

If you would like to display this exhibition in your school, please contact us

	"Football must be open regardless of colour or ethnicity." Sol Campbell, Portsmouth
Sol Campbell