Dr Joe Chidanyika
North Riding FA Director and Northallerton Town First-Team Coach

On Black History Month…

“Black History Month shines the light on some contributions that everyday life black people bring to various communities, not just their own. 

“Tackling racism is always important to be addressed. However, in my eyes this month is also an opportunity to celebrate different cultures, educate communities about some of the salient achievements by other community members, and change thoughts about myths which perpetuate community division and elitism."

On football role models…

“I grew up in Zimbabwe and I am a huge Arsenal fan. But my biggest role model was actually Bruce Grobbelaar - the former Liverpool and Zimbabwe goalkeeper. 

“Although he wasn't the biggest anti-racism champion known, besides his fame at Liverpool worldwide, he always was humble, and came back to Zimbabwe, and when called upon part funded the national football team, the Warriors, and mingled with everyone who found him inspiring. 

“Having watched him on TV and live for the national team, as the only white player for decades in Zimbabwe in a predominantly black team, he smashed the glass ceiling and proved that no one was superior than the other. He is still idolised worldwide, but in Zimbabwe he is one of us - football has no boundaries.”

On challenges faced…

“I have faced far too many challenges in football, both as a former player and now as an FA Level 2 qualified coach. There are still some sad instances when supporters, parents and players feel reference to one skin's colour is acceptable. 

“I am one of the very few BAME coaches at a semi-professional level. However, I am still made very welcome by many other people from various backgrounds, teams and their staff. It always disappoints when racial slurs are still aimed at me and, at times sadly, the few black players who play for my teams. But these challenges have inspired me not to give up my causes. I run a football charity that donates used kit to the less privileged here in the UK and abroad, and have teamed up with Middlesbrough Football Club who support my cause - to donate any excess sports gear they have to the less privileged internationally. 

“Over the last nine years, we have supported many grassroot teams from deprived countries worldwide, to use football as an opportunity both to exercise and also live their dreams to become professional footballers. Not everyone makes it though! My charity does not have external funding, but members are inspired to help and uplift those less fortunate, from our own pockets."

On representation within the game…

“I think, in any walk of life, interest is generated as a result of how safe people feel. So, participating in football, or indeed within managerial levels of the beautiful game, can be bolstered if people feel valued, know if they are qualified for a job role. It will only be down to their skills matching the roles advertised for, not their skin colour. The more opportunities fairly awarded to people from BAME backgrounds, the more likely that younger adults will be inspired to achieve even better through such role models. 

“For players, most I interact with feel if offenders pitch-side are held accountable for their derogatory actions, more players will aspire at grassroots level to play the game. But education, education and more education is needed to address the causes of any form of discrimination, and that education has to be delivered to all children and young people and their parents at a community level to promote harmony.”