Spurs honour Black History Month with first Black XI showcase

Tottenham Hotspur is marking Black History Month by celebrating the pioneering Black players from both its men's and women's squads, in partnership with anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card.

Exhibition panels telling the players' stories will be on display during Stadium Tours from Thursday 15 October for the remainder of Black History Month. Those featured will be introduced on the pitch ahead of the home Premier League match against Coventry City on Monday 19 October.

"Tottenham Hotspur's history has been shaped by people who broke barriers and opened doors for those who followed," said Kate Miller, Chief Communications Officer. "Black History Month gives us an important opportunity to recognise their contribution, share their stories with supporters and ensure their legacy remains an enduring part of our Club."

The showcase centres on the club's first 11 Black men's first-team players, beginning with Walter Tull, who made 10 appearances between 1909 and 1911 as the club's first Black player and the first Black outfield footballer in Britain. Tull later served in the Footballers' Battalion in World War One and was killed in action in France in 1918.

Other members of the Men's First Black XI include Chris Hughton, who made 398 appearances between 1979 and 1990 and won two FA Cups and the 1984 UEFA Cup, and Garth Crooks, who made 174 appearances across the same honours-winning era. Andy Gray is noted as the club's first Black footballer of the Premier League era, making 33 appearances between 1992 and 1994.

The showcase also recognises early pioneers in Spurs Women, including Jackie Fearon, who joined in 1994, made over 100 appearances and captained the side, and Zoella Freeman, who joined in 1998, made over 100 appearances across seven seasons and was the club's leading scorer in the 1999–2000 campaign.

An educational session for local schoolchildren is also taking place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday, delivered by Spurs in the Community and Show Racism the Red Card, with a focus on Walter Tull's legacy.