Black History Month: Kerry Davis and Carly Williams reflect on legacy, progress and the power of football | OneFootball

Brentford Women head coach Carly Williams and former England international Kerry Davis have both carved out paths that inspire.

Davis, the first Black woman to represent the Lionesses, paved the way for others through her courage, while Williams continues that legacy today, shaping the next generation and reflecting on the challenges and triumphs along the way.

Both of them sat down to discuss their careers for Black History Month, sharing stories of resilience, representation and the progress of the women’s game through a collection of personal photographs that capture their journeys.

Davis smiles as she looks at a picture of herself in Italy, a chapter that would define her career.

"I played out there for the women’s national teams and Lazio scouted me before asking me to go over," she recalls.

"The only barrier was the language, because I didn’t speak it, but the Italians were brilliant with me. They made me settle there and made me feel at home.

"A lot of players of Black heritage still get abuse even now, but I was looked after well there. In some ways, the Italians were 20 or 30 years ahead. I was full-time, but for a lot of people then, that just wasn’t possible. Football for women was still a fight, but one worth taking on."

Across from her, Williams reflects on her own photo, standing on the pitch at Enfield Town with her eldest son, Tyler.

"That pitch, that stadium, since I’ve been involved in football, Tyler has been with me," she says.

"There were no girls’ teams in east London. I had to battle with the boys to prove I was good enough. My biggest barrier was the opportunity to play."

Her journey started early, fuelled by determination and a deep love of the game.

"The opening for me was in Year 7, when I was scouted by Tottenham for their academy," she explains.

Years later, that same drive carried her through new challenges.

"I was a young single mum working in the NHS, trying to make sure my son was taken care of and looked after," she recalls.

"Back then, there were not that many people of ethnic minorities playing at a high level.

"Ian Wright and Hope Powell were my idols. Anita Asante, Alex Scott and Rachel Yankey, those were the people I looked up to. There was no media coverage then, no spotlight, just passion."

Davis nods in agreement. Her story began at a time when the idea of a professional career in women’s football was almost unheard of.

"I grew up surrounded by racism," she explains.

"We were seen as different. Some of the neighbours didn’t even want their kids around us. I didn’t enjoy school because of it.

"Football wasn’t visible then, not women’s football, but football became my saviour. It kept me away from the people who made me feel uncomfortable. It was my safe space."

Both women share that same thread; football as sanctuary, as self-expression and escape when the world outside wasn’t always kind.

For Williams, the next chapter came with a place on the England Elite Coaching Programme.

"That was special," she continues.

"St George’s Park, the Disneyland of football in this country I call it. I joined the Under-17s on their journey to the Euros. I got all-access and saw everything behind the scenes.

"It was such a great opportunity. Now we’re seeing players from that team making their WSL [Women's Super League] debuts, and some even knocking on the door for the England squad. That’s what it’s all about, seeing others rise."

Davis smiles at the memory of her own first steps onto the international stage.

"My debut came when UEFA endorsed the first European Championships for women," she says.

"I got in as an 18-year-old and scored two goals on my debut. It was incredible, that feeling of knowing you were part of something bigger, something that was growing right before your eyes."

The next photo is Davis alongside two of the Lionesses' European Championship heroes, Michelle Agyemang and Lauren James.

"I got a phone call asking if I’d take the trophy onto the stage at The Mall," she details.

"This was one of the best days of my life. Seeing how far women’s football has come. My debut was at 18, and Michelle is 18 now. She’s the type of player who’s humble, level-headed and can sniff out a goal."

Williams nods in acknowledgment. She worked with Agyemang at Arsenal and has watched her development closely.

"Michelle did very well in her GCSEs and A-levels," she adds. "She’s a great example of balance, talent and focus."

The conversation turns to how football continues to unite communities and challenge prejudice.

"Growing up in east London, the thing that brought people together was football," says Williams.

"Even though I didn’t feel the racism directly, the biggest battle for me was being a female who wanted to play. Everyone feels like they have the freedom to say unacceptable things sometimes, but that doesn’t make it right."

Davis adds: "There’s still work to be done. Black history needs to be told forever and consistently. We’ve seen players like Jess Carter, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and Antoine Semenyo get abused, and we don’t hear enough about what happens next.

"There needs to be a deterrent, something that makes people think twice before they act on hate. It’s not just about banning them; it’s about showing how they’re being educated and reformed from that behaviour."

Their reflections are rooted in lived experience, but their outlook is one of optimism and pride. Both women understand that progress is not linear, yet their visibility, achievements and honesty are part of the ongoing story of change.

Davis looks back with gratitude for the opportunities she fought to create.

"Football gave me everything, and now it’s about giving something back," she concludes.

Williams adds: "It’s about making sure no girl ever has to fight to prove she belongs."