Honouring our communities in Black History Month

To celebrate Black History Month, Aston Villa Women have been exploring the 2026 theme of ‘Honouring Our Communities'.

Diversity is one of football's greatest strengths, bringing people together from different communities, cultures and backgrounds across the world.

No fewer than 11 different nationalities are represented in this season's Women's first team playing squad, with plenty more represented among the wider club staff.

Women's first team players Chasity Grant and Rofiat Imuran, Head of Performance Services Kieran Berry and First Team Physiotherapist David Ikeije, sat down to discuss their experiences during their respective journeys into football.

They spoke about the people that inspired them, the importance of inclusion and representation in the game, and shared advice for young people of similar backgrounds looking to build their own futures in the sport.

Who has inspired you throughout your life? Is there a particular role model you looked up to?

"Growing up, my love for football was my biggest motivation," said Rofiat. "Watching Nigeria legend Asisat Oshoala gave me the passion to want to be like her."

Imuran is now a Super Falcons international herself, debuting in 2022 against the United States of America and featuring at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations this past summer.

"I didn't really have a role model or a player that I was like, wow, I want to be like them", said Dutch international Chasity. "I always just wanted to play football because my cousin played football. 

Grant's inspiration came from a different sporting realm, tennis. She added, "Serena Williams is a big example for a lot of people growing up. The strength she has is so good."

For Kieran, whose family are from St Kitts and Jamaica, and David whose family are from Nigeria, inspiration came from closer to home.

"My role models are my grandparents," said Kieran. "They came into the country just after the Windrush, and the struggles and the hardship that they had to go through inspired me to want to be the best person, the best practitioner that I can."

David added, "I would say my mum. She worked extra jobs to make sure she could get all her children through. That’s where I get my work ethic from.

How important is it to see people from different backgrounds represented in football, both on and off the pitch?

"Representation is very important because football is for everyone," said Rofiat. "Regardless of their background, seeing people from different cultures represented both on and off the pitch helps me believe that they belong and that their dreams are possible."

Chasity agreed, "It doesn't matter where you're coming from. It doesn't matter even if you're a girl or boy. I think it's important that from everywhere in the world, everyone can play football."

Kieran added, "It's important that people who look like myself can associate themselves with other people in different positions, whether that be on the pitch, or off the pitch. Sometimes when you can't see something, you don't necessarily know that it’s achievable.

"Being honest, I don't think there's a lot of people that look like me", said David. "Looking at both the men's side and the women's side (of the game), but I think that is more of a motivation to stick with it."

For you, what does an inclusive workplace look and feel like? What are the things that can make a real difference?

"This is one thing Villa does quite well", said David. "Having people that look like you definitely helps, seeing people in roles where you aspire to be. Also having opportunity, not just at the middle level or bottom level, but having people (of different backgrounds) across all levels."

Kieran added, "I think the little things that can make a real difference is celebrating everyone's cultural achievements. A great thing that we do here at the club is that we have different food on different days that link to where people are from, which is a really nice touch."

"I'm half Dutch, half Suriname, so I think for me, if the food is good, you will see me happy", says Chasity. "Music is also important for me, in a changing room if the music is not good, I'm not in a good mood. That’s the two most important things."

Rofiat agreed, "For me, it’s being around my culture, my people and the things that remind me of home. Music, food and the energy of my community always make me feel happy and connected to my roots."

Everybody has a role to play to ensure football is inclusive for all. Together we can make it clear there is no room for racism or any form of discrimination. We urge anyone who witnesses racist abuse to report it – either online or inside the stadium.

To find out more, click here

What is one piece of advice you would give to young people from a similar background who dream of getting into football?

"My advice is, always be your true authentic self," said Kieran. "In any industry there will come times where you feel like you can't be yourself, but I think being resilient and staying authentic is really important."

David added, "It will get hard but be intentional and make sure that you stick with it. And when an opportunity comes, it may not be the opportunity you're hoping for but take it because you never know what it will lead to."

"If you have it good, if you don't have it good, if it's hard in your life, if it's not hard, just believe in yourself and you can do anything you want", said Chasity.

Rofiat added, "Believe in yourself, work hard and never give up on your dreams."

If you witness discriminatory behaviour at a match or around the stadium, please report it to the police or a steward.

Supporters at Villa Park can scan the QR code around the ground to submit a report, or get in touch via Whatsapp here, noting the location of the incident and details of what you have witnessed.

The club may share your details with West Midlands Police if further information is required to assist with a criminal prosecution.

For more information, visit Aston Villa Equality, Diversity & Inclusion