Howard Holmes, who helped set up FURD, and was its Director until his semi-retirement last month, has been presented with a Special Award by the Football Black List Awards.
The Black List Awards recognises the contribution of the black community for achievements across all levels of football and is supported by the Football Association, Professional Footballers’ Association, Kick It Out, the Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS) and Horizon with The Voice newspaper as a media partner. Now in their 4th year, the winners this year were:
Off-the-pitch Award: Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Special Award: Howard Holmes
Keith Alexander Special Award: Lord Herman Ouseley
Community Award: Lincoln Moses.
Howard, who is thought to be the first white recipient of a Black List Award, said,
"This award came as a total shock. I have attended most of the Black List ceremonies and always felt honoured to be in the presence of so many talented and dedicated people. I see this award as a tribute to all the staff, volunteers and young people who have been involved with FURD over the past 16 years".