It was a busy Black History Month for Barnet Panthers as the club participated in a number of events to promote and celebrate Black contributions to British society, and to foster an understanding of Black history in general

Barnet Panthers chair/coach Billy Grant was invited to be a panellist by London FA and Football Beyond Borders for their Black History Month Celebration Event held at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 18th October

Sitting on a panel alongside the inspirational Debra Nelson, Anita Abayomi, Maryam Omotosho and Mina Ibrahim, Billy talked about all elements of football from supporter level right through to helping to grow the grassroots womens game

Barnet Panthers were invited to England’s training headquarters at St Georges Park to take part in a special Black History Month coaches conference

The club was represented by Billy Grant who made his way to this excellent event which was attended by an incredibly diverse group of 200 or so inspirational coaches and club organisers who have been putting their heart and soul into the grassroots game over the years

There were some quality speeches by the members of the various panels during the day.

Barnet Panthers were then invited to talk on the panel of Pitshanger FC’s first ever Black History Month Event held at The Duke of Kent in Ealing. A really positive evening in the company of some really committed volunteers

The club were also invited to England’s training headquarters at St Georges Park to take part in a special Black History Month coaches conference

Represented by Billy Grant, this excellent event was attended by an incredibly diverse group of 200 inspirational coaches and club organisers who have been putting their heart and soul into the grassroots game over the years

There were some quality speeches by the members of the various panels during the day  including ex Brentford and Birmingham City striker Clayton Donaldson, now coaching at Farsley Celtic. ex Arsenal midfielder Paul Davis, Alan from Acton and Ealing Whistlers, Nilesh from Kick it Out’s Fans For Diversity,  Angie from Larkspur Rovers, Ibrahim from London FA and loads more all doing great things in grassroots football

Plus some great coaching sessions presented by ex Brentford player Warren Gravette, FA Coach Mentor Pete Augustine and all the other FA coaching staff in the (rather nippy) dome

Not to mention the Lionesses who were in the house – preparing for their #NationsLeague match against Belgium at Leicester later that week week

All in all a really positive month in the company of some great people