The grandeur of Keele Hall in Staffordshire provided a fitting backdrop as eight exceptional figures from the British American football community were formally inducted into the BAFA Hall of Fame, as part of this year’s BAFCA Convention.
The 2024 inductees – whose achievements have already been celebrated in a dedicated announcement earlier this year – were welcomed into the Hall of Fame by an esteemed group of existing members: Gary Lee, Stephen Hutchinson, Rowelle Blenman, Nigel Dias, Gladstone Mckenzie, Paul Newey, Colin Nash and Tango Lockwood. The ceremony, held in the stately surroundings of the Staffordshire venue, brought together generations of players, coaches and contributors in a celebration of legacy, camaraderie, and enduring passion for the sport.
Among those recognised was wide receiver Mark Cohen, who paid tribute to the influence of coaching in shaping his career. “I was a good player because I had a great coach,” he said. “So much of what makes you better happens behind the scenes – and for any of you still playing, be the first on the field and the last off it. That attitude made the difference for me.”
Tiggy Bell, visibly moved during the presentation, spoke of the power of the evening to reconnect the sport’s early trailblazers. “I’m so in shock – it’s been 30 or 40 years since I’ve seen some of these guys,” he said. “It’s been an absolute honour. I loved the game from start to finish.”
The spirit of friendship and shared purpose was a theme echoed throughout the evening. John Parker, known as much for his leadership off the field as on it, reflected on the lifelong connections forged through the game. “It’s a privilege to be part of this group,” he said. “I’ve developed friendships that will never be forgotten.”
There was a moment of heartfelt reflection as Fleur Hardman received the posthumous award on behalf of her father, the late Wayne Hardman. “My dad would be really proud,” she said, offering a quiet but powerful reminder of the deep emotional ties the sport fosters across generations.
Dave Samuel highlighted the vital role of families behind the scenes. “It’s been a fantastic evening,” he said. “Our mums and dads made huge sacrifices to let us do what we loved – letting us go out, get dirty, then washing our kit again and again so we could keep playing.”
That spirit of collective effort and family was echoed by Les Jackson, who was quick to find the humour and warmth in a room full of familiar faces. “It’s great to see so many people I used to play with – all looking older!” he joked. “I had the good fortune to play with – and against – these guys, and we built a family.”
The evening served as a powerful reminder that the BAFA Hall of Fame is not only about celebrating elite performance, but recognising the shared journeys, sacrifices, and relationships that have helped shape British American football since its earliest days. As new generations take the field, the stories and spirit of the Class of 2024 continue to inspire.
Unfortunately, inductees Mark Williams and Ariel Mofondo were unable to attend.
