Khyri McKenzie honoured on 2025 Football Black List

Brentford Women forward Khyri McKenzie was honoured last week as part of the 2025 Football Black List, an award that celebrates influential Black figures and positive role models across British football.

Her inclusion reflects not only her performances for Brentford this season, but also her growing work away from the pitch to improve accessibility and support for women who want to play football.

Alongside a strong campaign with Carly Williams’ side, McKenzie is driving forward her business, McKenzi3Kickz, aimed at closing the gap between grassroots and academy football for girls, with education, mentorship and opportunity the focus.

Founded in 2008 by journalists Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, the Football Black List highlights leaders from all areas of the game, with nominees put forward by the public before a panel featuring representatives from the Premier League, English Football League, Football Association, League Managers Association and Kick It Out finalise the list. McKenzie’s recognition places her among figures who are making a meaningful impact both within football and beyond it.

“It’s something I’m really proud of,” McKenzie said. “To be recognised in that way means a lot, not just for what I’m doing on the pitch, but for the work I’m trying to do to help others. It shows that people are paying attention and that the message is landing.”

McKenzie joined Brentford Women in the summer of 2025 and has been a key figure in Williams’ side this season. She has registered six goals and one assist in 12 appearances across all competitions, playing an important role as the Bees remain firmly in the promotion mix.

Away from matchdays, McKenzie is also the founder of McKenzi3Kickz, a business created to help girls who want to play football overcome accessibility barriers within the game. Through workshops and events supported by Go London, she has secured £15,000 of funding alongside 12 months of mentorship, enabling her to scale the project and focus on long-term impact.

“That support has allowed me to really push forward with my bigger vision,” she explained. “A lot of the barriers for girls come from a lack of access to information and guidance, and that’s what I want to change.”

A central part of that vision is the development of a dedicated app for young players in the women’s game, designed to create a safe community space focused on mentorship, education and support. McKenzie plans to host an interview series within the platform, speaking to physiotherapists, psychologists, grassroots and academy coaches, performance staff and nutritionists.

“I believe what women need is support, and it shouldn’t just be academy players who get it,” she said. “Grassroots players deserve the same education around injury prevention, nutrition, rehab, and how to prepare for trials. If we start teaching the younger generation now, they’ll be in a much better place when that big opportunity comes.”

McKenzi3Kickz also runs an annual tournament for both Under-16s and Over-16s, giving girls the chance to attend individually or as part of a group. With prizes, raffles and the hope of showcasing an early version of the app, the tournament provides valuable exposure at a time when summer opportunities for girls’ football can be limited.

“There’s a lack of tournaments for girls during the summer,” McKenzie said. “This gives coaches a chance to come and spot talent, parents a chance to support their children, and players a space where they feel seen. My aim is to help close the gap between academy and grassroots football and make that transition more accessible.”

“I believe what women need is support, and it shouldn’t just be academy players who get it'

“I study sport rehabilitation, so I see how important it is that the right investment goes into the right areas.

"Being able to go into schools and share that knowledge is a huge opportunity for me.”

Looking ahead, McKenzie is optimistic about the future, with plans for one-to-one support sessions and five-a-side opportunities forming part of the next phase of McKenzi3Kickz in 2026.