BURTON Albion legend and Hall of Fame inductee Aaron Webster was last night a guest at the Football Black List Awards 2019.
Having been nominated by Burton Albion Community Trust in respect of his outstanding contribution to both Burton Albion FC and BACT, Aaron was invited as a guest and spent an evening with some of the biggest stars in world football.
Every year the Football Black List comes together for a celebration of African and Caribbean achievement within British football and sport, from grassroots through to the Premier League.
Guests last night included Chris Hughton, Chris Powell, Denise Lewis, Andy Cole and former Brewer Marvin Sordell.
Aaron said of the celebration: “It was a privilege to be invited and recognised by such an event.
“To be there in the company of those kinds of people was a great opportunity, to mix and network with them.
“Also to see the people who you would never hear about and the adversity they have come through, it was touching and really nice to be a part of it.”
Head of Burton Albion Community Trust Matt Hancock said: “We put his name forward as someone who has provided a significant contribution in terms of his footballing career at Burton Albion, but also for what he has done afterwards in the Community Trust.
“Aaron has been with the football club for 20 years, and he has always had Burton Albion at the centre of his life. He is well known in the community anyway, but now more so outside of football due to the work that he is doing.
“He is making a difference to young people from disadvantaged and disengaged communities, as well as the young footballers in our education programme. He goes above and beyond helping out staff, his work with Kick it Out and in mentoring young people.
“We are really proud of him and all of the work that he puts in at the Community Trust.”
The Football Black List was founded by Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, owing to a lack of representation amongst black players in the wider football community away from the football pitch. The initiative is helping to address this and also pay tribute to those who are in influential positions, whilst shining a light on those who are inspiring the next generation in sport.
With support from The FA, Premier League, Professional Footballers Association, the EFL and Kick It Out, the Football Black List has established itself into an important and respected celebration of African and Caribbean achievement.