​Garth Crooks

​Garth Crooks OBE is a distinguished football pundit and former professional player, renowned for his unwavering commitment to racial equality. Currently, he serves as a prominent broadcaster with the BBC, where his insightful analysis has graced programmes such as Final Score and Match of the Day. Garth’s lived experiences as a Black footballer during an era rife with discrimination have profoundly shaped his advocacy. His speaking engagements often encompass topics like overcoming adversity, performing under pressure, international football, drive and determination, peak performance, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United.​

Garth began his professional football journey with Stoke City in 1976. His prowess on the field led to a significant move to Tottenham Hotspur in 1980, where he played a pivotal role in securing two FA Cup victories in 1981 and 1982. Throughout his career, Garth confronted and overcame rampant racism, experiences that fuelled his dedication to fostering inclusivity within the sport.​

Beyond his playing days, Garth achieved notable milestones that underscore his commitment to equality. In 1988, he made history by becoming the first Black chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), advocating for players’ rights and championing diversity. His contributions were recognised in 1999 when he was appointed an OBE for services to the Institute of Professional Sport. Additionally, Garth played an instrumental role in launching the Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football campaign in 1993, a testament to his proactive stance against discrimination.​

In his speaking engagements, Garth delves deeply into themes such as overcoming adversity and performing under pressure, drawing from his personal battles against racism and the intense demands of top-tier football. His tenure with esteemed clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United provides rich insights into international football, drive and determination, and peak performance. Furthermore, his leadership within the PFA offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of football governance. Organisations seeking a speaker who seamlessly intertwines personal experience with broader societal issues will find Garth’s narratives both enlightening and inspiring.