Black Arrow FC

06/12/2024

Many people know Gil Scott-Heron for his critically acclaimed poem and song “The Revolution will not be televised” but did you know that his father was famous in his own right?

Gil Scott-Heron’s Father is a Soccer Legend?Many people know Gil Scott-Heron for his critically acclaimed poem and song “The Revolution will not be televised...

06/07/2024

03/15/2024

As part of our documentary with the Premier League about the connection between soccer and black culture in America, it was mandatory that we featured our family in Atlanta who are building the new wave of soccer culture in 🇺🇸 and it was only right that we shot it at the legendary studios, a vital space for the creative community in the ATL

📸 by our creative director, known by the best in the game, as the best in the game

12/02/2023

We gotta talk about how good this guy is🌶️….

Bukaya Saka has been red hot all year for the Gunners. When the opposition asks a question, Saka is there to respond. Wore the top dedicated to legend Arsenal legend and brought the feeling back. Another goal today to push Arsenal to a win over Wolves and keep their spot on top of the Premier League.

Saka’s growth as a player has been immense. From an attacking left back as a youth, to a winger that is a force to be reckoned with. However, it hasn’t always felt as though Saka has been given the same amount of respect and recognition as some of his compatriots around the world. Whether that’s due to playing on an Arsenal squad that only recently started playing to their potential or general bias, we don’t know but one thing is for certain, he is showing everyone that he is world class.

In the EPL he has 5 Goals and 5 Assists. In his first UCL campaign, already 3 Goals and 4 assists. was made for the big time and is one of the key reasons why Arsenal is back. Hale End did not miss with this guy and it is why we are comfortable saying that he is one of the best players in Europe at the moment.

11/30/2023

Bayern Levurkusen continues their unbeaten season with their win today in the Europa League. They are top of the Bundesliga as well and are looking like real title contenders, with a 2 point lead over Bayern Munich as they enter December.

Much of the focus has been put on Xabi Alonso and his influence at the club, but at the heart of the squad’s the success this year has been the emergence of Black players: Victor Boniface, Jeremie Frimpong, German, Jonathan Tah, Odilon Kossounou, Edmond Tapsoba, Nathan Tella and more. They form a cohort of 8 Black players on the first team squad.

Players with origins from across Africa have brought flair and flavor to club, to their performance on the field as seen in their devastating counterattack which has helped them to an unbeaten year thus far. They are one of the most electric sides to watch in Europe this season and with many players worth watching in this year.

11/30/2023

In Brazil, where legends like Pelé, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romario and more have set the bar sky-high and created a brand of the beautiful game beloved by all, emerges a new Brazilian sensation – Endrick. Barely into his teens, this prodigy has already sent ripples through the football world with his exceptional talent. But let’s make something clear: Endrick isn't the next Pelé or R9; he's the first Endrick.

At such a young age, has already showcased a maturity and skillset well beyond his years. His footwork is mesmerizing, his instincts razor-sharp, and his passion for the game, palpable. His goals and actions on the pitch warm our hearts and truly make us remember why we love the beautiful game.

For Endrick the ccolades have already begun piling up. The youngest Brazil player since R9. The massive move to Real Madrid. The praise for Endrick is justified but while he is under the spotlight, it's crucial that we tread carefully. The world of football is quick to draw parallels with the greats, eager to find the next icon. But in doing so, we risk overshadowing the individuality of talents like Endrick. The pressure of living up to names like Pelé and R9 can be overwhelming, even for the most gifted. We must remember, these legends were once just players who loved the game – just like Endrick.

This is particularly the case for Black players, always subject to more pressure. Remember when Vine Jr moved to Real Madrid. He struggled at first with a lack of playing time and sometimes players not even wanted to give him the ball when he was on the field. But he was just a 18. A kid.

So, let's not make the same mistakes with Endrick. We don’t see him as the successor of past legends, but as a beacon of his own light.

To Endrick: May your journey be filled with joy, growth, and your own brand of magic. The world is eager to witness your story, not a repeat of someone else's.

11/28/2023

Il Professore. Mr. Champions League, W***y Wonka.

was a maestro on the pitch, a versatile player capable of playing many roles. He had elite tactical intelligence, with the ability to play make for his team and win back possession when needed. His career lasted 22 years, a testament to his skill and dedication.

In the world of football, there are true legends who are beloved by all who enjoy the beautiful game. Clarence Seedorf, was poetry in motion on the pitch up there with the greatest midfielders of his generation. Shirt tucked in. Legs of steel. 4 UCL trophies across 3 different clubs. A stadium named after him in his home country of Suriname. His UCL story here..

11/28/2023

Il Professore. Mr. Champions League, W***y Wonka.

was a maestro on the pitch, a versatile player capable of playing many roles. He had elite tactical intelligence, with the ability to play make for his team and win back possession when needed. His career lasted 22 years, a testament to his skill and dedication.

In the world of football, there are true legends who are beloved by all who enjoy the beautiful game. Clarence Seedorf, was poetry in motion on the pitch up there with the greatest midfielders of his generation. Shirt tucked in. Legs of steel. 4 UCL trophies across 3 different clubs. A stadium named after him in his home country of Suriname. His UCL story here…

11/28/2023

The talent is there, it always has been. Time and time again, we are reminded that is needed is a fair shot.

The Mali U-17 National team reached the Semifinals of the World Cup where they lost to the French 2-1. They went into halftime with a 1-0 lead, but suffered a red card in the 55th minute, after which the French were able to capitalize on their man advantage.

The Malians were a joy to watch all tournament, and for some of these players, they have certainly earned ta move to bigger clubs in Europe, where they will have the opportunity to further grow their name in football.

It seems that after every U-17 or U-20 World Cup, there is always an African nation, or 2 or 3, that turn heads in the tournament which their beautiful blend of the technical and physical aspects of the game. Mali was no different, and brought a passion and true love for football that we see in countries around Africa.

These players love the game and have the talent to compete with the world’s best. It’s time for football to recognize Africa for the hotbed of talent that their is and performances like this should remind players with origins in these nations, that these nations are no longer “second choices”, that a player can represent when their bid at repping a European nations fails.

No… These are emerging powerhouses in football, and it’s time for them to come home and join the shift that will eventually lead to us seeing the first African nation lift a World Cup trophy.

Well done , it was a joy to watch you in the World Cup. Wishing you all bright futures, on and off the field

11/28/2023

The only player to win the UCL with 3 separate clubs.

Drop a “👨🏾‍🏫” in the comments if you want a post on “Il Professore” tomorrow.

Clarence Seedorf is one of the greats of the game. Respected by all, and an undeniable impact on everyone he has come across. As the UCL, returns tomorrow it’s time to do this legend justice.

11/26/2023

The next star in women’s football is Lauren James.

was again the difference maker for Chelsea Women’s today, as they continued their hot start to the season. They are in first place, unbeaten, and James already has 6 goals in the first 8 games this season, surpassing her tally from last year.

She was a budding star in women’s football going into the summer and the World Cup, coming off a strong season where she was nominated as the Young Player Of The Year Award at the Women's Football Awards as well as the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year. This summer she made a name for herself around the world, as she scored 3 goals and 3 assists for the Lionesses and received one of the most iconic red cards we have seen in football. If people didn’t know her before, they certainly knew her now.

Many people first heard of Lauren James because of her who played professionally for the Chelsea men but Lauren has always been quick to explain how they are their own people, and that the comparison between her and her brother are unnecessary. It is worth noting that they are the first brother and sister to represent England at the senior level, an incredible feat.

At just 21 years old, James has showcased skills that will lead to her name being included among the best in the world. Her ball control, vision on the field, and goal-scoring prowess are nothing short of phenomenal. Whether it's dribbling past defenders or finding the back of the net from improbable angles, James does it with a flair that's all her own. Expect many more records to be rewritten by this powerhouse.

Growing up, she was known as “the girl who was too good” and now she is the “shy wonderkid” as she tends to keep to herself and stay out of the spotlight. Coches in the past have misinterpreted this personality as someone who “didn’t want it enough” but there is surely nobody who still believes that. James is an example of a 100%, certified footballer. There is no time for anything but that, and in a world where more and more players are involved in creative things off the pitch, we respect seeing someone who is truly here just to ball.

Lauren James is on her way to the top of the game.

11/26/2023

This breaks our heart…

Last week as the German U-17 national team geared up for their Quarterfinal match against Spain at the U-17 World Cup, the Black players on the squad were subject to racist abuse by none other than Germans themselves.

The team was criticized for having “too many Black players”, something we didn’t even know was possible, in an unbelievable tyraid of comments that forced the German National team to turn off comments on their page. 

These are teenagers, kids, who are representing what is supposed to be their country and home, on the international stage. These players are the future of German football and football around the world, yet their own fans are questioning whether they should be there?! It was never questioned when teams were all white, but now are teams supposed to limit the amount of diversity on their teams. The answer is no.

The debate on whether Black players should represent their country of origin has remained a hot topic in football, and it’s moments like this that continue to make Black football fans wonder why players continue to represent historically racist nations.

The U-17’s still went in and balled out, as Paris Brunner scored the winner against Spain. The Germans will play Argentina in the Semifinals on Tuesday.

All these players have our support and will, regardless of the jersey they play for.

11/25/2023

Trent Alexander-Arnold, standing on business at the Etihad. This was an iconic celebration, the type that you hang in Louvre.

It hasn’t been easy for . After a string of poor performances last season, and many folks questioning whether or not he should be playing RB for Liverpool, it’s powerful to see him shutdown the critics with his goal today which stole a point from Manchester City.

This season his performances have been back close to the level we are accustomed to from TAA, and it is no surprise that Liverpool find themselves in firmly in the title race as we enter the tipping point of the Premier League season.

11/25/2023

Ollie Watkins journey is one of dedication and self-belief.

His journey in football began at Exeter City's academy, where he won the EFL Young Player of the Year award. His impressive performances continued at Brentford, leading him to be named the Championship Player of the Year in 2020, before joining Aston Villa​​. In the 2023-24 season, Watkins has been outstanding for Aston Villa with 6 goals and 5 assists, including scoring in five consecutive Premier League matches, a first for an Aston Villa player, and a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round. His contributions have been significant in Villa's strong performance, currently placing them fifth in the Premier League.

Watkins was always aware of his under-the-radar status which made it difficult to receive recognition, particularly from his national side, but he always remained focused on his game. This season he caught the attention of the England team, after having not played for England in 2023 until his recent call-up. His international record for 2023 includes two appearances and one goal. Now he is aiming for a spot in Euro 2024​​.

Away from the field, Watkins's approach to fame and social media is refreshingly grounded. He admits to not being overly concerned about his follower count on Instagram or Twitter, a stark contrast to many of his contemporaries. Watkins prefers authenticity and believes in letting his football do the talking​​. His life changed significantly after moving to Aston Villa from Brentford. Watkins humorously recounts how he used to shop in Sainsbury's undisturbed, but still even now appreciates the relatively gentler end of fame he experiences​​.

This season, Watkins is aiming for 20 goals, a target that, given his current form, seems within reach. Despite Aston Villa's less dominant presence in the Premier League compared to larger clubs, Watkins' performances have made him a player well-known in England and deserving of wider recognition. His success on the field, characterized by consistent goal scoring and important contributions in key matches, makes him an intriguing player to follow in football today.

11/25/2023

Ollie Watkins journey is one of dedication and self-belief.

His journey in football began at Exeter City's academy, where he won the EFL Young Player of the Year award. His impressive performances continued at Brentford, leading him to be named the Championship Player of the Year in 2020, before joining Aston Villa​​. In the 2023-24 season, Watkins has been outstanding for Aston Villa with 6 goals and 5 assists, including scoring in five consecutive Premier League matches, a first for an Aston Villa player, and a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round. His contributions have been significant in Villa's strong performance, currently placing them fifth in the Premier League.

Watkins was always aware of his under-the-radar status which made it difficult to receive recognition, particularly from his national side, but he always remained focused on his game. This season he caught the attention of the England team, after having not played for England in 2023 until his recent call-up. His international record for 2023 includes two appearances and one goal. Now he is aiming for a spot in Euro 2024​​.

Away from the field, Watkins's approach to fame and social media is refreshingly grounded. He admits to not being overly concerned about his follower count on Instagram or Twitter, a stark contrast to many of his contemporaries. Watkins prefers authenticity and believes in letting his football do the talking​​. His life changed significantly after moving to Aston Villa from Brentford. Watkins humorously recounts how he used to shop in Sainsbury's undisturbed, but still even now appreciates the relatively gentler end of fame he experiences​​.

This season, is aiming for 20 goals, a target that, given his current form, seems within reach. Despite Aston Villa's less dominant presence in the Premier League compared to larger clubs, Watkins' performances have made him a player well-known in England and deserving of wider recognition. His success on the field, characterized by consistent goal scoring and important contributions in key matches, makes him an intriguing player to follow in football today.

11/23/2023

Eternally grateful for Black culture and the Beautiful Game and all it has brought us.

Thankful for you, our Black Arrow family, for continuing to follow along on this journey.

With Love 🖤

📸: .lexington

11/21/2023

Bunny Shaw: The Yaadie came up big in the Manchester Derby 🇯🇲

The statline so far this season:
6 Appearances
3 Goals
2 assists

Looking like another dominant year is loading.