Ahead of today's fixture, we share COO Phil Mason's programme notes on Black History Month and the EFL's Together Against Racism campaign...
October is dedicated to Black History Month and over the next few weekends, football is reminding everyone that there is no room for racism and clubs are committed to tackling discrimination of every kind as well as positively promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Ahead of the today we have a special pre-match 'Family, Faith Football' event will focus on Black History, with special guests from the Bolton Black History Group. The group has over 140 members and is chaired by Marline Stringfellow.
Black History Month 2023 is the occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society.
Black people have often been at the forefront of social justice movements, fighting against oppression and paving the way for change. However, despite their countless contributions to society, the achievements of black women, in particular, have too often been overlooked or forgotten. That is why, this year, the focus is upon celebrating the exceptional achievements of black women.
The theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’ highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. This year’s celebration will showcase pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.
Within football, the FA have particularly highlighted pioneering work of Hope Powell.
Hope is perhaps best-known for her tenure the first female and Black manager of any England national team.
After representing England Women and proving to be a regular goal scorer throughout the 1990s during her time with Millwall Lionesses and Fulham, Hope took charge of England between 1998-2013, winning the Cyprus Cup in 2009 and 2013 and taking the team to their first major final at the European Championship in 2009.
She was also the first female ever to obtain a UEFA Pro licence – the highest qualification available to a coach in Europe.
More recently, she was head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays WSL between 2017 and 2022 and after being among the coaching staff for the England men's under-20s team for their FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina, she has now joined Birmingham City as women's technical director.
A reminder that our ‘One Wanderers Family’ campaign allows supporters to share information and report any incidents of disorder or discimination in and around the stadium.
If you would like to make report, please TEXT or WhatsApp 07542 850 902.
Let’s enjoy the game without discrimination.
Phil