Newcastle United icon Shola Ameobi recognised for contribution to football and 'No Room For Racism' programme
Former Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has been recognised for his continuous contribution to local football with a special accolade.
Ameobi, who was raised close to St James' Park, spent 14 years playing for his home club, making 294 Premier League appearances for the Magpies before leaving in 2014. But the club has remained close to his heart and today he works within the Academy as a loan co-ordinator, offering invaluable experience and insight to the club's community work in his role as Foundation Trustee.
Now he has been nominated as a 'No Room For Racism Icon' by his club to celebrate his contribution on and off the pitch.
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Ameobi said: "Football has given me an incredible amount of joy over the years, and I was very lucky to represent and score goals for my boyhood club, playing alongside team-mates from all around the world. I have seen the power of sport at all levels to unite people and break down barriers. "
Ameobi is part of the Premier League Black Participants' Advisory Group, which played a key role in shaping the No Room For Racism Action Plan. This was launched in 2021 to set out a series of commitments aimed at creating greater access to opportunities and career progression for Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups in football, along with actions to eradicate racial prejudice.
He added: "Programmes like No Room For Racism are so important in ensuring there is diversity in all areas of the game, as well as continuing the fight against discrimination.
"I am proud to be one of the 'No Room For Racism Icons', who highlight the incredible contribution that people from ethnically diverse backgrounds have had in football over the years. Steps are being taken to improve diversity in many areas and this can only make football stronger."
The announcement comes as all Premier League fixtures between now and October 27 will be dedicated to the No Room For Racism initiative, highlighting the ongoing work the League carries out to tackle discrimination and promote diversity within football.
Over these match rounds, the League and clubs are coming together to celebrate how diversity makes football stronger and reiterating their collective commitment to ensuring everyone feels welcome across all areas of the game.
All 20 Premier League clubs have nominated a 'No Room For Racism Icon' to highlight the contribution of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in football and showcase the importance of diversity on and off the pitch.
The Premier League has commissioned artist Kingsley Nebechi to develop illustrations of the club nominees, which will feature across League and club channels, along with a range of content to demonstrate the impact they have made. An illustration will also be produced to recognise the contribution of former Kick It Out Chair, Lord Herman Ouseley, who passed away earlier this month.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: "One of football's biggest strengths is its ability to bring people from diverse backgrounds together, which has a positive impact on all areas of the game.
"We are proud to celebrate individuals who represent the importance of diversity within football, including trailblazing players and inspirational club employees who set a great example to others day in, day out. Through our No Room For Racism Action Plan, we are committed to improving diversity across football and we will continue to work hard to show that any form of discrimination will not be tolerated."
In April, a three-year update on the No Room For Racism Action Plan highlighted the progress being made and work carried out year-round. This includes action against racism, as well as improving pathways for players, coaches and others working in football from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
The ongoing fight against discriminatory abuse, whether it occurs within stadiums or online, remains a priority for the Premier League and clubs. Fans who experience or witness discrimination at matches should contact the nearest steward or police officer, or report it using clubs’ confidential text services, which can be found here.
The League's specialist investigative team continues to support players, their families and others working within football who are subjected to racism. A reporting system has been made available to clubs to host on their websites and fans can also report any racist abuse they see directed at players or others within the game at www.premierleague.com/reportracism.