Liverpool FC’s First 11 Black Players exhibition
As we gathered at Anfield yesterday for our annual anti-racism education event in conjunction with Liverpool FC, we are honoured to launch something profound: Liverpool FC’s First 11 Black Players Exhibition. This landmark installation is more than a display; it is the culmination of a pioneering journey.
Liverpool FC’s longstanding role as an ally in the mission for anti-racism – through its deep compassion, respect for its roots and unwavering commitment to community – makes it the perfect home for this exhibition.
It is with immense pride that we wrap up our First 11 Black Players Project for 2025, marking the finale of a successful pilot scheme that has celebrated pioneering legacies across the country. There is no more fitting way to complete the pilot than with the club that embodies the very values the project seeks to champion.
Making the event even more special, we had an incredible five of the First 11 for Liverpool in attendance to experience the exhibition for the first time, SRtRC patrons & former footballers Howard Gayle, John Barnes, Kerry Davis, Mark Walters & Michael Thomas.
Thanks to funding from the PFA, the FA & the EFL and support from various football clubs, we have been able to highlight the important and untold history of Black footballers in England, with the hopes of expanding the heritage project to Welsh and Scottish clubs.
Our pilot was launched with a clear, strategic aim: to utilise the ‘First 11’ exhibitions during Black History Month as a springboard for year-round education, actively demonstrating that Black history is integral to our community story, not confined to a single month.
We successfully tested and refined the exhibition model across multiple club settings, adapting our approach based on direct feedback and observation.
The pilot featured the following clubs/teams:
- Sunderland AFC
- Middlesbrough FC
- Brentford FC
- Derby County FC
- Queens Park Rangers FC*
- Arsenal FC
- Lionesses
- England Men’s team*
- Liverpool FC
*Official launches due to take place in early 2026
The project extends beyond physical exhibitions – we want to commemorate history by highlighting its link to our present and future.
Our accompanying ‘First 11 Black Players’ podcast ensures that these vital histories are heard in the pioneers’ own words.
The series kicked off with our conversation with Brendon Batson, Arsenal FC’s 1st player of Black heritage.
These conversations* are available to watch on our YouTube channel.
*Coming soon: In Conversation with Chris Kamara – 1st Black player for Brentford FC & featured in the ‘First 11’ for Middlesbrough FC.
The First 11 Black Players pilot confirms our core belief: the UK has a deep, rich Black history that needs uncovering and celebrating.
This project is key to that process, using the unifying power of football to educate, empower, and build pride – something Show Racism the Red Card has continued to do for the last 29 years.
We would like to extend our gratitude to our researcher Richard Flash, the clubs who took part, and our sponsors – thank you for making this pilot a success and for your commitment to anti-racism.
To find out more about the ‘First 11’ project or The Lionesses’ and England Men’s ‘First 11 Black Players’ Exhibitions, contact info@theredcard.org or if you would like to know where you can see the club exhibitions, please contact the club directly.