THE story of a footballing pioneer who made his name in the North-East will be presented to some of the sport’s most influential people today.

A gathering of the Black List – British football’s 30 most important black figures – will listen to plans to honour Arthur Wharton, the former Darlington FC goalkeeper, at an awards ceremony this evening.

North-East businessman Shaun Campbell, founder of the Arthur Wharton Foundation, will give the presentation.

He hopes it could lead to further investment in his campaign to build a statue of Wharton in Darlington.

Black List members include John Barnes, Chris Kamara and Les Ferdinand, all of whom have been invited to attend the event at Wembley Stadium.

Hosting the event will be the FA chairman Lord Triesman.

Mr Campbell said the event was a unique opportunity to speak with some of the game’s most important figures.

He said: “To have all of that power, wealth and influence, in that one room, if I can just get it right and get them to embrace the campaign then great. If I don’t, at least I have met some great people and got to talk about Arthur Wharton.

“It is about keeping on raising awareness, keeping on pushing for him to be commemorated in an appropriate manner.

“It would be too easy to forget people like Arthur Wharton, but I want to make sure we keep his memory alive.”

Leon Mann, the founder and author of the Black List, said: “The black community’s contribution to the game all started with Arthur Wharton taking to the pitch back in the late 1800s.

“Myself and the FA felt it highly appropriate that we reflect on the achievements of the great man, who kick-started the black community’s involvement with the game.

“We are delighted to invite Shaun Campbell to come along to tell some of the game’s highest-ranking people about Arthur’s amazing story.”

Wharton played for the Quakers for three seasons from 1885, during which time he became the world’s fastest man over 100 yards.

The foundation website is at arthurwharton.com

The thirty most influential black people in British football

Hope Powell, England womens coach

Lord John Taylor, Conservative peer

Jason Rockett, Chief executive, Sheffield United

Alex Williams, Former Manchester City goalkeeper

Darren Lewis, Daily Mirror sports writer

Uriah Rennie, Retired Premier League referee

Noel Blake, FA coach; former professional defender

Paul Elliott, Broadcaster; former Chelsea defender

Garth Crooks, Broadcaster; former Spurs striker

Lord Herman Ouseley, Chairman of Kick It Out campaign

Chris Ramsey, Assistant academy director, Spurs

Tony Whelan, Assistant academy director, Manchester United

Hepburn Harrison-Graham, Senior producer, BBC

Rio Ferdinand, England and Manchester United defender

Rodney Hinds, Sports and features editor, The Voice

Chris Kamara, Broadcaster; former manager, Bradford City

Robbie Earle, Broadcaster; former professional

Sky Andrew, Football agent

Tony Finnigan, Football agent

Heather Rabbats, Executive deputy chairman, Millwall FC

John Barnes, Broadcaster; former England professional

Les Ferdinand, Broadcaster; former Newcastle striker

Ian Wright, Broadcaster; former Arsenal striker

Bobby Barnes, Assistant chief executive, Professional Footballers Association

Brendon Batson, Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association

Chris Powell, Player/coach, Leicester City

Paul Ince, Manager, MK Dons; former England captain

Keith Alexander, Manager, Macclesfield Town

Andy Ansah, Former professional; actor

Chris Nathaniel, Football agent