The award was presented to the Everton and England midfielder by Kick It Out chief executive Samuel Okafor for consistently using his voice to champion disability inclusion and shine a light on the lived experience of disabled people from all walks of life.
Whether it’s talking about his own family’s experiences, performing goal celebrations for Manchester City fan Finley, who has cerebral palsy, or his role as an Ambassador for the Special Olympic Games, Jack has shown an ongoing commitment to make football and other sports more welcoming.
The award was renamed the Herman Ouseley Award after the former Kick It Out founder and chair passed away last year after leading the organisation for over 25 years.
At the presentation at Everton’s training ground, Finch Farm, Jack said: “It’s massive to win this. Everyone knows what I try and do off the pitch. It’s very close to home, my little sister being disabled and having cerebral palsy, so winning awards like this is always special.”
Former FA director of women’s football Baroness Sue Campbell won the inaugural award last year, which was previously known as the Sky-Kick It Out award for Equality and Inclusion.
Past winners include former Watford forward Troy Deeney, Team GB’s first black swimmer Alice Dearing and former England manager Gareth Southgate.
Kick It Out chief executive Samuel Okafor added: “For those who knew Lord Herman Ouseley, he was all about making the game and sport more inclusive and welcoming for everybody from all communities.
“We’re delighted to give Jack the award for the way he uses his platform to raise awareness around disability and the way he embraces fans. A huge congratulations to Jack.”
To find out more about who Lord Herman Ouseley was and what his impact was on football, you can watch our short documentary.
