Walter Tull inducted into National Football Museum Hall of Fame
Wed 20 October 2021, 17:10|
Tottenham Hotspur
Walter Tull, one of Britain’s first black professional footballers, has been posthumously inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.
Club Ambassador Ledley King attended the celebration ceremony today in Manchester where the award was collected by Walter’s great nephew, Edward Finlayson.
One of the most important figures in the Club’s history, Walter was inducted in recognition of his ground-breaking football career. He was the first black outfield player to appear in the Football League, making 10 appearances for us between 1909-11 and winning the Professional Football Charity Fund Medal.
Walter was also the first British-born black combat officer in the British Army. Tragically killed in action aged 29, Walter was posthumously awarded the British War and Victory Medal.
Speaking at the event, Ledley said: “It was an honour to attend today’s ceremony and celebrate Walter being inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame. Walter made an outstanding contribution to football and the country, and everyone should know his story. As one of the first black professional footballers, he paved the way for so many to follow his path in future generations, including myself.”
As part of the Club’s Black History Month campaign, throughout October the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has been delivering workshops in local primary schools focused on the life and legacy of Walter Tull.
Ledley was recently a special guest at Lea Valley Primary School in Tottenham, answering questions and providing an insight into his own career as one of the most notable black players in our history.
First team player Ryan Sessegnon also joined local students last week for a virtual Q&A celebrating Black History Month.
A group of 20 students from Duke’s Aldridge Academy – a school located directly opposite Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – had the opportunity to ask Ryan questions including how to deal with discrimination and online abuse, who inspired him when he was growing up and why Black History Month is important to him.
