As we celebrate Black History Month in the UK, British American Football proudly recognises the significant contributions of players from the African diaspora. BAFA as an organisation recognises that the celebration and acknowledgement of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion does not start-and-finish on designated months of recogniton or dedicated action days, but such occasions do offer a platform to shine a light on outstanding positive contribution.
This year we focus on individuals who have had their contribution to recognised either through accolades within the game, or through the widespread respect earned from their peers.
Benita Grant:
Championing Diversity and Inclusion in British American Football
Benita has been a pioneer in British American football since 2015, and her journey is nothing short of remarkable. In her role as the Defensive Coordinator for the Peterborough Saxons Senior Team, she played an instrumental role in the team’s promotion to the Midlands Football Conference Division 1. Her determination and coaching prowess paved the way for an impressive career, encompassing various roles, including Head Coach for the Peterborough Royals Women’s Football team, Offensive Lineman Coach for the Diamond Series’ Southern Blaze, and a pivotal role as a BAFRA official.
She has also been an essential part of the Great Britain National Programme, serving as a coaching assistant, and, most recently, as a player-coach for the Peterborough Royals and was this year named Womens’ Coach of the Year at the BAFCA Coaching Awards.
Benita’s love for American football ignited when she accepted a ‘dare’ to play the sport while residing in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2001. Her passion for the game blossomed with the Atlanta Xplosion, where she experienced structured coaching, competition, and the camaraderie that transcended economic and social backgrounds. In 2006, her dedication paid off when the Atlanta Xplosion was crowned World Champions, and Benita was named the offensive lineman of the year for several seasons.
As a Black woman in a predominantly male-dominated sport, Benita encountered numerous obstacles throughout her American football journey. In the early 2000s, many believed that American football was exclusively for men, and such perceptions posed significant challenges. Gender stereotypes, as well as racial biases, complicated her path, and she had to break through these barriers persistently.
Despite the challenges she faced, Benita’s determination and commitment to the sport have been unwavering. Her vision for the future of British American football is rooted in inclusivity. She believes in continued education and coaching to address unconscious biases among coaches, which, in turn, will lead to better communication with players. She emphasises the need to disseminate information about opportunities within national programs, thereby enabling coaches and players from diverse backgrounds to participate actively. She encourages everyone to be confident and to represent themselves, paving the way for future generations.
