On a star-studded night in east London, the Football Black List's annual celebration continued to prove why it's the most respected celebration of African and Caribbean achievement in British football – and why its existence is as important as ever.

Despite more than 25% of professional players within the UK being black, there is still a lack of representation off the pitch in non-playing roles. The Football Black List was set up by big hitters Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds to recognise the contributions of black pioneers within the football industry, inspiring the next wave of talent.

While the likes of Raheem Sterling, Tyrone Mings and Eni Aluko were all recognised this year at the peak of their powers, the FBL also shone a spotlight on the young game changers who are making a difference off the pitch with the Ugo Ehiogu Award.

Named after the late England defender, it's presented to people under 30-years-old who are making an impact at various levels of the game. This year, recipients included Sky Sports' Jaydee Dyer, BBC and England present Craig Mitch, Arsenal Ladies and England forward Danielle Carter, Pippa Monique of AFTV and loads more.

We spoke to past, present and future legends at the Football Black List 2019 to find out why the event is so important and how it continues to push football forward.

Photography: Kojo Dwimoh

Leon Mann

Co-founder of the Football Black List

"It’s a huge honour to have so many people turn up to our event. Without people turning up, we have no event – we just have an empty venue and lots of ideas! Every year, I feel we are getting bigger and better at what we are doing. This is about young people, young black people, being inspired to get more involved. It’s about the football industry understanding they need to be more open to young black people getting involved. A more diverse game is a better game. This is all about progress."

Rodney Hinds

Co-founder of the Football Black List

"This is the best night of my year. I do some fantastic things around sports, but this one is super special. It’s so special because the black football community comes together. I don’t know how often we do that. We celebrate those who win the awards and those who have been nominated as 'Ones to Watch', but in terms of people just getting together and networking, it’s great."

Craig Mitch

Presenter for BBC, England and more

"There’s a lot of people in the industry who don’t get the recognition they deserve, and they are putting in a lot of work. It isn’t just people in front of the camera, it's also people behind the scenes, people in admin...there are unsung heroes in so many sectors. Events like this are so important for those people to get that recognition they deserve."

Anita Asante

Defender for Chelsea FC Women

"It’s amazing to be here and to get recognition for what I do personally on and off the pitch is incredible. This is all about visibility, we are trying to have more people from BAME backgrounds on platforms like this and using their platforms for good and for change. It’s important to be role models for future generations so they know that this is a space for them and somewhere they can aspire to be great."

Felicia Pennant

Editor-in-Chief for Season Zine

"I don’t think I’ve ever been to a football event with so many black people in one room. It’s really incredible to see the names of people who have been on previous lists and see the names who are 'Ones to Watch'. It’s great to celebrate everyone. The fact that in normal football spaces, you only see one or two black people, but here you see so many great people doing amazing things is great. If you don’t acknowledge yourself, it's sometimes unlikely that other people will acknowledge you."

Bobby Kasanga

Founder of Hackney Wick FC

"Nights like this are amazing. Black people are often stereotyped in media as hoodies or gang members but here you can see so many people doing great things in communities all over the UK. It humbles me to come here and see like-minded people. Younger generations on nights like this can see role models and think they don’t have to follow the negative things that are being done, there are positive black leaders doing great things."

Andy Cole

Premier League Legend

"I am so happy that this is growing year in, year out. I’ve been quite a few times now and each year it's progressing – it’s a great turn out and long may it continue. This industry is hard work and you have to be dedicated to your craft. This isn’t a case of legacy; it’s about putting in the hard work and making sure the next generation can come and do exactly the same thing. I’m fortunate that people may look at me with a positive light and say I left a legacy, I just wanna see the next generation come in and do what they can do."

Chris Hughton

Football Manager

"The fact that this has been going on for so many years shows what it means to everyone. I’m fortunate that I know the founders, so I know just how much hard work they have put in to get to this stage. This does not happen overnight and what they do tonight is only a small portion of what they do throughout the year. It’s a celebration of achievements in the black community and I think that’s important – especially at a time when we don’t have enough figures in key areas of the game. We speak about managers and CEOs and inclusive environments on boards, so it’s important that we have nights like this to celebrate and encourage that. I’ve been fortunate to reach a good level in the game and anytime someone says to me that I’ve been a role model, its encouraging for me and anyone that I feel that I can give some assistance to, I enjoy it and feel it’s my duty to do so."

Jaydee Dyer

Presenter at Sky Sports News

"I say to people all the time, stay true to who you are and be proud of who you are. I hope people take inspiration in what I’ve done and use it to empower themselves. I see people in the room and take inspiration from everyone. I watched Leon Mann at the Euros in 2016 and wrote down that one day, he would be my manager. Fast forward a few years and he is my manager. That is the inspiration that nights like tonight can bring."

Chris Powell

Coach for England

"This occasion is one for people at grassroots, academy and senior level to get recognised for their achievements. I feel it’s important for the community that things are achievable in the beautiful game of football. I’m proud to be here and be amongst people who have worked so hard to achieve a lot in the game. It’s important they get recognised for the things they do – it's inspiring. Someone like Chris Ramsey, who has been coaching for a while, is now an MBE. There are glass ceilings and people are now breaking them with their achievements."