by Staff Writer
Wednesday, 25th March 2026
West Ham United coach Nicole Farley has been included in the 2025 Football Black List within the Coaching and Management category.
Farley made history in May 2021 as the club’s first female coach in the men’s Academy. During the 2025/26 season, she has continued to expand her role, working closely with the women’s first team while also taking on the position of Women’s Under 21s Head Coach.
The Football Black List, established in 2008, is an annual initiative that recognises and celebrates the impact of black figures across English football, including those involved in playing, coaching, administration and media.
This is not the first time Farley has received the honour, having also been recognised in 2023. Her continued inclusion reflects her ongoing contribution and influence within the club’s Academy setup.
She is joined in the Coaching and Management category by Brentford’s Carly Williams, Manchester City’s Kolo Touré and England men’s coach Justin Cochrane.
Reacting to the news, Farley described the recognition as a proud moment, highlighting the prestige of the award and the journey she continues to build within the game. She also acknowledged the high standard of others in her field, noting it is a privilege to be recognised alongside them.
“It’s a big honour to be named on the Football Black List," she admitted. "It’s such a prestigious acknowledgement so I feel proud to be included again and to be able to showcase the journey I am on".
Farley added that being a role model across both the men’s Academy and women’s first-team environments is something she values highly, and she expressed her enjoyment in her current work at the club.
“To be an inspiring role model in the men's Academy and women’s first-team environments is something that I don’t take for granted," she added. "I’m loving what I’m doing here.”
This year’s Football Black List marks a notable step forward for representation, with more women included than men for the first time. All those selected will be honoured at a celebration event in Westminster on 14 April, supported by the Premier League.
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