3:20pm Wednesday 8th October 2008
By Elizabeth Pears
A leading coach voted one of the most influential black men in football held a special workshop on Tuesday to mark Black History Month.
Chris Ramsey, head of development at the Tottenham Hotspur Academy, shared landmark achievements of black people in football with students in the Learning Zone at White Hart Lane.
The sessions, on offer to schools in and around Tottenham, include a story about the club’s black players like football hero Walter Tull — the first black player in the premiership.
They also involve interactive quizzes, group activities and a behind-the-scenes look at the Spurs stadium.
The sporting legend said: "Football provides a great platform for education and in Walter Tull there’s a fantastic demonstration of how a single individual can have an immense impact on establishing racial and social equality."
Mr Ramsey was one of 30 people honoured at the Black List Awards at the House of Lords on September 24 for his contribution to the beautiful game.
He started his career as a player for Bristol City before moving to Brighton in 1980 where he played against Manchester United in the 1983 FA Cup final.
And made history when he became the first black FA Regional Director for London and the South East, as well as the first to manage an England national team.
Mr Ramsey, who has a UEFA professional license, an Education Degree and a Masters in Sport Science, also works with the Martin Shaw King Trust.
Its aim is to mentor and encourage talented coaches from the black community to gain FA coaching qualifications.
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