Tyrone Mings named on Ugo Ehiogu ‘Ones To Watch’ section of the Football Black List

The Aston Villa and England star is one of the young people celebrated for his contributions to the game

CELEBRATED: Tyrone Mings

ASTON VILLA and England star, Tyrone Mings, has today been named on the Ugo Ehiogu “Ones To Watch” section of the Football Black List 2019.

The Ones to Watch list shines a spotlight on talented young black people in the British game. 

Mings has been recognised on the list for his stance addressing racism in football, acting impeccably on his senior England debut against Bulgaria, a game marred by racial abuse in the crowd. The defender has also been commended for his business interests off the pitch, which include a growing interior design company.

The Ones to Watch category, renamed in honour of Ehiogu, seeks to highlight talented young people under 30 years of age from an African or Caribbean background who are making an impact within the football industry in the UK.

The section was named after Ehiogu, who played for Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Rangers and England during his career and latterly was a coach at Tottenham Hotspur before he sadly passed away in April 2017. He was a great supporter of the Football Black List and had previously received a Ones to Watch award for his contributions as a talented young coach. 

Alosie Ehiogu said: “My brother Ugo had a passion for nurturing potential in others. That’s why he created development opportunities by coaching young people and investing in their futures. Ugo knew from personal experience that to be supported to achieve was invaluable and life changing.

‘‘The ones to watch’ is a vehicle for up and coming young people to showcase not only their exceptional talent but their commitment to give something back. This award captures Ugo’s philosophy that talent and responsibility go hand in hand as you strive for excellence.”

The Football Black List, founded in 2008 by sports journalists Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, highlights positive influencers from the black community in the sport.

Those featured on the list come from across the footballing industry from community workers, business owners, current professional players, youth coaches, scouts, foundation executives, football intermediaries, media creatives and broadcasters.  

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Football Black List recognises rising talent such as Crystal Davis, pictured here with Darren Moore, manager Doncaster Rovers

Others who have made it on to this year’s list include Charlton Athletic Women’s player, Renee Hector, for her work as an anti-racism campaigner, Arsenal and England Women’s forward, Danielle Carter, who sits on the FA Council and Somali-born British football referee, Jawahir Roble.

The Voice newspaper is the home of the Football Black List which also shines a light on deserving people working at the community and grassroots level of the game who often go uncelebrated.

The initiative creates an opportunity to reflect on diversity within the industry, while also facilitating discussions on how best to address the under-representation of people from African-Caribbean backgrounds.

Ugo exemplified all of the qualities that these young people have exhibited: hard work, dedication, talent, kindness and an ability to inspire others. The list was collated by Ugo’s wife Gemma, his family and the Football Black List founders.

Gemma Ehiogu, said: “The Ugo Ehiogu ‘One to Watch’ award means so much to us because the award celebrates the achievements young black men and women have made at grassroots level. This is what Ugo felt passionately about. Without the support he received from the staff and coaches at Springfield Boys Club in Hackney, he would never have had the confidence, strength and resolve to work his way up to Premiership and International football.

“Ugo appreciated and understood everything those coaches gave up for him. Having an award that celebrates those men and women at grassroots level named after him would have filled him with pride.”

Ola Ehiogu added: “ Ugo held the FBL in high regard as it celebrates black excellence. Ugo understood that the FBL recognises the positive influence, vital role and achievements of black sports men and women and community based grassroots individuals.

“Ugo was aware that there was a real need for the celebration of African and Caribbean excellence, especially in these difficult and trying times. Ugo was very happy and proud to see how FBL has created a glowing sense of pride of the achievements of black professional sports men and women and community-based individuals.”

Kelechi Ehiogu said: “The black list played a major role in Ugo’s life and he was very proud to be a part of the programme, however we want to continue his legacy because we value all the hard work ethnic minority people do and they deserve recognition for their continued passion and hard work. The time is always right to do what is right. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”.

Find the full The Ugo Ehiogu ‘Ones To Watch’ List below:

• Antoine Allen, sports reporter – ITV News
• Ashley Joseph, digital and social media lead – The Football Foundation
• Carl Anka, writer – The Athletic
• Chelcee Grimes, professional footballer, Fulham Ladies – TV presenter
• Craig Mitch, freelance broadcaster – BBC Sport and TalkSport
• Crystal Davis, Raise Your Game co-ordinator – Kick It Out
• Danielle Carter, professional footballer – Arsenal and England Ladies footballer
• Darrell Coker , co-founder – Flair Football
• David Adehin, founder – BallersEverywhere
• Ethan Vidal , Under-8 Select Squad Coach – Manchester City FC
• Fadumo Olow, sports broadcaster and founder – She’s Offside Podcast
• Frederik Obasi, co-founder – ColourMeDigital
• Hayley Bennett, founder – Nutmegs
• Henry Frimpong, brand partnerships director – COPA90
• Jawahir Roble – referee
• Jaydee Dyer, broadcaster – Sky Sports
• Joshua Adu-Donkor, freelance broadcaster and reporter – BBC 5 Live Extra and BBC Sport
• Juste Akani, assistant coach – Newcastle United Foundation Premier League Kicks
• Kane Bailey-Hamilton, inspire coach – The Albion Foundation
• Loius Bamboye, reporting manager – Kick It Out
• Loran Lewis, director – Let’s Do More
• Maamum Hajmahmoud, office manager – Kick It Out
• Morlai Kamara, football coach – Lambeth Tigers
• Nick Bignall, Ambassador – Colour Blindness Awareness
• Pippa Monique, content creator – AFTV and GiveMeSportWomen
• Renee Hector, professional footballer – Charlton Athletic Women
• Rinsola Babajide, professional footballer – Liverpool Women FC
• Tashan Deniran-Alleyne, desk writer – Football.london
• Tim Ojo, senior football executive – Arete
• Tyrone Mings – professional footballer – Aston Villa and England
• Yannick Aziakonou, sessional coach – Newcastle United Foundation
• Zemeka Clarke, freelance designer – ZC Consulting

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