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.

Black people have always been at the forefront of social justice movements, fighting against oppression and paving the way for change. However, despite their countless contributions to society, the achievements of black women, in particular, have too often been overlooked or forgotten. That is why, this year, we will be celebrating the exceptional achievements of black women and allies.

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 Designated Safeguarding Officer, Dyahanne Sappleton who through her work advocates for the protection of all in football, to ensure everyone can take part in football in a safe environment.

Dyahanne Sappleton, Amateur FA Designated Safeguarding Officer



1. What are your roles within football?

I hold the role of Designated Safeguarding Officer for the Amateur FA. 

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

Having visible role models from the black community should be a norm and not one that should need highlighting, but the reality is that it is not always the case. On that basis, having visible role models sends a positive message when others who identifies with your ethnicity can see people who looks like them fulfilling various roles.

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

Always believe in yourself, keep striving, keep reaching for excellence! Do not let negative people or attitudes hold you back. Falling is a part of life’s journey so when you fall, don’t stay down but get up again and again and again.

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

I have genuinely loved how the landscape of safeguarding as changed throughout the years. It as been good to see the safeguarding message getting across and that most clubs are being proactive around its responsibilities. Lastly, I have enjoyed watching the importance the FA places on safeguarding and the initiatives to support the mantra of ‘safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility’.

Peter Augustine, FA Coach Development Officer



1. What are your roles within football?

I am an FA Coach Development Officer with the responsibility for diversity and inclusion. I also coach a grassroots team when I'm not working.

2. How important do you think it is to have visible role models from the Black community, especially that of women and male allies?

It's incredibly important to have visible role models from the black community because the game is diverse, many of the top players in the male game come from the Black community. We now need to see this reflected in the women's game because we know that black women and girls are playing but we're not seeing this reflected on the pitch at the highest level. The knock-on effects of this is that little black girls can assume the game at the top level is not for them. This is surely not the way we want the game to look. It's important that when we look to diversify the game, we look at all areas.

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

If I was to give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to find out much earlier about coaching qualifications. I didn't start officially coaching until after I finished  playing. I had no idea about the suite of coaching qualifications that the FA had to offer at the time and I think this slowed my progress as a coach.

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

The biggest highlight during my time in football was probably gaining my A licence. It was a long time coming and something I thought I'd never achieve, after being told this many times. This has given me a platform to become a coach educator, coach developer, coach a team and to stay in the game. 

Dwayne Uylett, Level 4 Referee

1. What are your roles within football?

My roles in football currently are a Level 4 referee, matchday coach, Level 5-4 referee observer and soon to be mentor. Previously, I played at step 1, 3, 4, and 5 and coached at step 5 clubs.

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

I believe it vitally important to have role models from the black community. This is able to offer an insight into other professions skills and characteristics that can change the dynamics of a culture, by guiding and helping them into professions where people from the black community are under represented.

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

The one piece of advice I would give to my younger self, is to ignore the stereotypical chat around young people in the community where I am from. We all can achieve, and all we have to do is work hard to achieve what we want in our lives. 

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

In football I have had the opportunity to coach, referee and play in many games. I have been privileged to work with some amazing people also, but I have to say that coaching a team in the FA cup was an brilliant experience. I am yet to referee a middle in the FA Cup, but I am sure when that comes, that will take over everything.