Every year the month of October is dedicated to raising awareness and commemorating black history in the UK.


This year’s theme for Black History Month is Reclaiming Narratives, and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.

By emphasising Reclaiming Narratives, we can see how vitally important it is to celebrate what black history is and the contributions black people have made to British society.

This is a great opportunity to recognise the accomplishments of those within the Amateur FA and the work they have done within their clubs and community, and the impact they have made.

Each week will be speaking to a member from within the Amateur FA football community to discuss their experiences in football.

This week, we speak to the Amateur FA Youth Advisory Group member, Bethany Emekekwue who advocates for young people in football and the role they can play to improve the game.

Bethany Emekekwue, Youth Advisory Group member



1. What are your roles within football?

I am currently working for the Premier League as a Licensing and Partnerships Executive. I support the Commercial team in the account management of all our Licensees and a few of our Partners. These licensees are Rezzil, Sorare, Football Manager, Panini and Avery Dennison. 

I am also part of the Youth Advisory Group for the Amateur FA. I support the team in encouraging more younger people participation in grassroots football in different capacities (whether on or off the pitch). We provide a voice for younger people / young adults to influence the Amateur FA's decision making. This makes me feel valued to be part of a group like this as we are heard and listened to.

I have also joined the Inclusion Advisory Group for the Amateur FA. I relay what is discussed during these meetings back to the Youth Advisory Group. Here we discuss the importance of promoting equality and diversity in football and how the Amateur FA can contribute to increase this awareness. 

I have also been selected for this year's cohort of the 100 FC programme. This programme is aimed at increasing the number of female coaches in football.

2. How important do you think it is to have visible role models from the Black community?

If we take a minute to think about the great talented footballers that have emerged over the years, we can all agree that the people in this list we have in mind will undoubtedly include those that come from a diverse background. 

Therefore it's super important to have visible role models from said diverse backgrounds off the pitch to reflect the beautiful diverse game. 

I look up to people that inspire me, but it feels extra special looking up to someone that looks like me who has made an impact in the football space. With the barriers that society has put in place for people like me, I find it comforting seeing role models from the Black community. 

The 'No Room for Racism' campaign that the Premier League runs is very important as it reminds people that football is for everyone and it just simply won't be the same without the diversity we have in the game. This is why having allies is crucial, it creates less space for racism to grow.

3. What one piece of advice would you give your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to never make myself small. To be the inquisitive girl, to be the girl that takes up space in spaces that aren't made for her. 

In a male dominated football/sports space, it's sometimes hard to be taken seriously. But I would encourage my younger self to not let that discourage you. You are in that space for a God given reason!

4. What is your biggest highlight during your time in football?

I've had a few highlights (good and arguably bad) during my time in football, it's hard to choose one! From watching Manchester United lift up the FA Cup trophy at Wembley, to watching the losses we've experienced at Selhurst Park (and many other stadiums to be honest). But I'd say one of my biggest highlights so far is to say I work for the Premier League. 

Growing up I would never have imagined myself working for the best football league in the world. This is testament to the advice I mentioned above - don't ever let yourself be small in big spaces!