Brentford’s club ambassador and former player Marcus Gayle has earned a Football Black List award in the practitioners category. 

The Football Black List pays tribute to individuals from African and Caribbean backgrounds who are inspiring the next generation in football. 

Gayle received the award for his outstanding contributions to anti-discrimination advocacy. His impact spans his roles as a former professional football player and current club ambassador and lead educator at Brentford Football Club. 

Gayle has helped lead Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s Tackling Discrimination Through the Power of Football initiative, delivering anti-discrimination sessions to primary schools across our local community. 

He has been at the forefront of initiatives such as the club’s #BeeAHero campaign, urging more people to donate blood, especially those from Black backgrounds; the Mayor’s Have a Word Campaign to tackle violence against women and girls; and the Heart of West London campaign, to promote cardiac health.

As lead educator, he has supported with player education, delivering key sessions to our first team, B team, academy and women’s teams on topics such as racial discrimination. 

Having started his career at Brentford in 1988, Gayle made almost 200 appearances for Brentford before stints with Wimbledon, Rangers and Watford.

Gayle returned to Brentford in 2005, to make a total of 231 appearances, and earned a place in the club’s Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2020, Gayle joined Brentford as a club ambassador. 

Gayle will formally receive his Football Black List award on 21 March where he will join fellow 2024 winners. 

Brentford director Nity Raj said: “Marcus plays an invaluable role at the club. He has continued to go over and above in his efforts to educate our community about anti-discrimination.  

“Marcus’s work embodies our values at the club - we’re so proud to have him here. His Football Black List Award is well deserved and a reflection of the impact he’s making.”