CX Founder Darren Smith Awarded Football Blacklist Practitioner of the Year

The Official Football List 2024 recognises influential Black figures making a positive impact in football and society.

CX Founder Darren Smith has been awarded the Practitioner of the Year category for his contributions at UCFB, Coaching Xchange, and as an FA Coach developer, assisting thousands of coaches over the past 17 years.

The award ceremony was held on Thursday, April 24, at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal FC.

The Football Black List was established in 2008 by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds. This widely respected initiative highlights leaders of African and Caribbean heritage working and volunteering across all football disciplines.

According to the Black Footballers,

Despite their significant contribution on the pitch, the Black community faces underrepresentation in various other areas of football. The Football Black List aims to highlight Black individuals leading the way and inspiring the next generation, while also acknowledging players who positively utilise their platform through their off-field endeavours.

The list is independently voted on by a panel of experts from the football industry and the Black community based on nominations submitted by the general public.

The panel consisted of representatives from the Premier League, Football Association, English Football League (EFL), League Managers Association, Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), Premier League Match Officials’ Association (PGMOL), Kick It Out, FARE, Black Community Organisations (BCOMS), and Black community leaders.

The list encompasses individuals from eight categories:

• Administration
• Coaching and Management
• Commercial
• Community and Grassroots
• LGBTQIA+
• Media
• Players
• Practitioners

CX Founder Darren Smith expressed, “I am profoundly honoured to be nominated for this award alongside such exceptional talent. It is gratifying to witness the recognition accorded to numerous esteemed individuals from both the male and female football spheres.”

Nomination info:

Darren is the Associate Dean at a university (UCFB), one of the few Black staff members in such a senior role in the country. He leads three Coaching and Management degrees and secured the inclusion of a UEFA C qualification for all students, part of a national pilot scheme. Darren also tutors FA courses and has a strong track record of developing players and coaches from underrepresented groups, including launching a female coach development group. Through his initiative, Coaching Xchange, Darren has supported coaches across the UK, hosting sold-out conferences for over 400 coaches. He has provided discounted tickets and subsidies to make learning accessible to underrepresented communities. Darren has four more conferences planned this season, with over 400 spaces available, supporting coaches and managers both in-person and online.