The chairman of Watford Ladies has been recognised for his work developing girls’ football by being included on the 2022 Football Black List – an initiative shining a light on the most influential black people in British football.

Andrew Lovelace joins a host of other names including Premier League stars Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, managers Patrick Vieira and Vincent Kompany, as well as former Lioness Lianne Sanderson, in being recognised.

The Football Black List, founded in 2008 by sports journalists Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, highlights leaders working across all areas of the game from the Black community.

A panel of experts drawn from the football industry and the Black community independently vote on nominations made by the public to determine who makes the list.

Andrew said: “I am thrilled to be on this year’s Football Black List alongside such incredible game-changers. But the success of Watford Ladies FC is down to an extraordinary team effort from our dedicated committee, visionary coaches and a huge army of committed volunteers working tirelessly to create an exceptional 360 football experience for girls and women.”

For much of the club’s 50-year history there was a strong link with Watford FC, but funding was very limited. In 2017 Watford Ladies re-established itself as an independent club and Andrew took over as chairman, determined to deliver a programme that elevated female football.

In just five years Andrew and the committee have rebuilt the club, increasing participation from 100 to more than 350 players. A team of 90-plus dedicated staff and volunteers provide a programme from grassroots to elite, with teams competing in the JPL against many of the best in the country. Some players are now part of the England Talent Pathway.

The club pioneered a dual-track football and education programme for 16 to 19-year-olds and is developing elite women’s football at Brunel University. The club also has a Junior FA Weetabix Wildcats Programme for those aged five years and up.

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