EDUCATOR. HISTORIAN. CONSULTANT.
"In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racists, we must be anti-racists." Angela Y. Davis
Richard Flash is senior academic with over 15 years experience in curriculum design and validating sport business degrees in higher education. He opened the UCFB London Campus at Wembley Stadium in 2014 in his previous role as the Academic Dean.
Following a career ending injury as a footballer, Richard completed two university degrees and became a business operations manager in the private sector.
Richard is a volunteer for the UK's leading Anti-Racism Educational Charity 'Show Racism the Red Card', where his research inspired their current Black player exhibition. He also supports the charity's workshops at school events, and speaks about the discrimination that he's experienced in and outside of football.
As a football historian, he creates daily content to highlight the accolades and achievements of Black and Brown footballers. He speaks at conferences and on event panels, mainly on topics like the business of football and discrimination in sport and society.
About The Black Soccer Academic...
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Once upon a time...
Manchester United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Watford
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Player research exhibitions
On 16.12.25 our research was showcased by Liverpool F.C's Foundation
On 01.12.25 our research was showcased by Arsenal Football Club
On 10.10.25 our research was showcased by The Lionesses and The English Football Association
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Latest research & news
On 27.09.25 our research was showcased by Sunderland F.C's Foundation
On 01.10.25 our research was showcased by Middlesbrough F.C's Foundation
On 01.10.25 our research launched Derby County's Black History Month campaign
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Who is The Black Soccer Academic?
Richard Flash is a former professional footballer who became a university lecturer and researcher. As a young professional he lived and trained with David Beckham. He signed three contracts at Manchester United despite suffering from a fractured kneecap.
Which footballers feature in your research?
Female and male footballers past and present with African, Asian and Caribbean heritage. Most of our posts and articles are based on Black and Brown footballers that have played in the top four English divisions, or at international level.
Why do you only celebrate footballers from Black heritage?
Although Black people have lived in England since 200 AD, we (Black people) began to arrive 'en masse' into the UK over 75 years ago. Many faced different forms of racial discrimination and racisms. The Black Soccer Academic platforms celebrate the achievements of players that have faced and continue to face racial discrimination.
Where can I find your player research?
At present we post daily content on Instagram and X. This website is the hub for our news, articles and diversity reports on the Premier League and Women's Super League. Our platforms, posts and research projects are dedicated to Harrison and Dylan Flash.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely, you can get in touch through our contact page for inquiries about our research. If you have any information that can help with our research, or correct it, we would be happy to hear from you.