Every year the month of October is dedicated to raising awareness and commemorating black history in the UK. Since 1987, it has been a vitally important celebration of what black history is and the contributions black people have made to British society.

As well as promoting and celebrating the black contribution to British society, Black History Month also showcases an understanding of what black history is in general.

Within the UK, black people have played an important role in history, yet there’s still a clear lack of representation within history books and teachings throughout British academia and other educational settings. Therefore, it’s imperative to celebrate and remember those people that helped shape and build the United Kingdom.

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 someone from different areas of football, to discuss their experiences in football. 

Mary Talabi, Level 6 Referee



What are your roles within football? 

I am a Level 6 Referee. I also play 5-a side/11 a-side from time to time.

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

I think its super important, it's great to have representation and visibility. It helps with confidence and aspiration, when you know they are those who have gone ahead, and are doing great things in whatever arena you’re in/want to be in.

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

Don’t let self doubt/imposter syndrome cripple you.

What is your biggest highlight during your time in football? 

A recent highlight for me was being promoted, and being strongly encouraged to go further up the promotion ladder. My biggest highlight was probably being selected to be a fourth official, in the 2019 Capital Women's Intermediate Cup Final between Ashford Town (Middlesex) and Godalming Town Ladies. I was a newly qualified referee and it was great to be selected for a cup final. The Referee and ARs that day were all black women, and I received great coaching/insight into refereeing, which was incredible and has helped me as a referee in the last two years.

Colin Mongul, Club Secretary for Polytechnic FC.

What are your roles within football?


Club Secretary for Polytechnic  FC.

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

It's extremely important to encourage the younger generation in the Black Community to aspire to play the game, and then in later life to participate in terms of team leadership and/or Club Management.

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

Be more assertive and not accept the status quo particularly as regards to what the expectation is of someone coming from my ethnicity.

What is your biggest highlight during your time in football?

As Club Secretary collaborating with counterparts at Civil Service FC, to support them in organising their 150th anniversary, with the highlight a league fixture played at Buckingham Palace in October 2013.

Find out more about Polytechnic by visiting their website or follow them on social media: @PolytechnicFC.