Norfolk County FA Board Member, Tobi Amadasun shares his thoughts on Black History Month.

Tobi Amadasun is heavily involved in Norfolk Football. He became a member of the Norfolk County FA Board of Directors in May 2023 and is a member of Norfolk FA’s Inclusion Strategy and Advisory Group. Tobi is also a Club Committee Member and a Coach for Watton Juniors FC.

What comes to your mind when you think of Black History Month?

An opportunity to highlight, share and celebrate black culture, which is now a part of the British culture in the UK.

Why is it important for children to see successful Black players, coaches, and referees in the men and women’s game?

It provides an opportunity for young people to be inspired. It helps break down some of the barriers that they could sometime feel prevent them from engaging with all aspects of the game outside of playing. Most importantly, it allows for representation which reflects the society we live in, which is a multicultural diverse society.

Did you have a black role model in football growing up, who was it and why? What did this mean for you?

My First footballing role model was Rashidi Yekini. Most people would remember him for his world cup goal celebrations for Nigeria. However, for me he was a hometown hero, who started is footballing journey from my hometown club Shooting Stars of Ibadan. He represented where I came from and to play at an international stage, for me this was enough to be inspired by him.

Earlier this year, you became a Norfolk FA Board Member. What made you go for position and what is your role?

The aim for me taking up a role on the Norfolk FA Board, is to help support the development of football in Norfolk. To be able to bring my years of leadership expertise and skills in creating values which will shape the growth of football within our county. I lead on Inclusion and diversity on the board and sit on the committee of the Norfolk County FA Inclusion Strategy Advisory Group.

What changes do you hope to see around Norfolk Football in the coming years?

To continue the growth of the women’s game in Norfolk. The Success of the lionesses have inspired so many young girls into wanting to start their football journeys and a county FA, I hope we can continue capitalising on this to help grow the women’s game in the region.

To read more about Black History Month, please click here.