Arthur Wharton

Back in England, the FA makes a very easy target for mockery with it's scandals, it's fit and proper persons test and it's general ineptitude in guarding the game's best interest as opposed to those of the Premier League.

But today at least it's doing something right, in recognition of Arthur Wharton.
From today's Northern Echo:

THE Football Association will tonight announce it is donating a five-figure sum to honour a North- East sporting pioneer.

The donation, thought to be about £20,000, means work can now begin on a 12ft bronze statue of former Darlington goalkeeper Arthur Wharton, the world’s first black professional footballer.

The news will be announced at the Black List awards, taking place in London tonight, which are held to celebrate the most influential black people in football. Today would have been Wharton’s 125th birthday.

You can read the rest of the article here and for more on the story of Arthur Wharton, who as well as being the world's first black professional footballer, was also at one time the world record holder in the 100 yard dash, click here.  For details about the Arthur Wharton Foundation and the campaign that led to the donation in question click here.