Harrison hails power of education.

City forward Abi Harrison insists that education is the key to furthering equality as she continues to learn about her own heritage.

Born of Jamaican descent, the Scotland international marks Black History Month by reflecting on her youth, and the black role models she may, or may not, have had.

“Growing up in Glasgow, there wasn’t as much diversity as you might find down in here in Bristol, whether that be in school, your local football team or whatever walk of life,” explained the 25-year-old.

“If I look to 20 years ago, when I was first playing started playing football, I’m not sure I can remember anybody having a role model who looked like me.

“That was hard to come by and I think I had a sense of ‘it’s hard to believe you can be something that you can’t see’, so that’s something I’m quite passionate about now.

“Our team here at Bristol City comes from all different backgrounds and areas and I’m not sure we realise quite how much we resonate with different people.

“It’s getting better but it’s something we still work on. If you look at the WSL it probably doesn’t fully reflect the people it represents, but that comes with its challenges and we need to work out why it isn’t happening at a grassroots level.”

Harrison, now playing at the top of the football pyramid, finds herself in a position where she can be that role model for the next generation.

“When people look at me, they’ll see a black woman playing football, but I don’t really register that in my own head because I’m just me,” she said.

“When you look at our community work in Bristol, you’ll see there are so many people from minority backgrounds and it’s our job to influence them in the right way and give them a place to come and have equal opportunities.

“If all it takes is for someone to see me play football then that’s amazing. I hope that we can help everybody, through our work with the Robins Foundation, regardless of race, religion, sexuality or disability, to find their niche.

“It doesn’t just need to be football but we use the power of football to make a positive influence.”

The forward also spoke about the importance of learning her own story.

“My dad’s dad was Jamaican and moved over to England which is where he met my nan, so I’m third generation,” she said.

“My dad is very passionate about educating us about understanding and respecting our heritage and where he came from.
“People might think that asking questions can look ignorant, but I see it as respectful and I’ll always want to have these conversations.

“I’m on that learning path now because I don’t understand it all, but you need to try. I’m hoping one day to go to Jamaica and see where Pops grew up and what that was like for him.

“I wouldn’t change my background or family history for the world.”