Calum Jacobs

An original exploration of the ways in which leading Black British footballers have shaped the modern game. Tackling the big questions of representation and identity while acknowledging the influence a collective black identity has had on a very British sport. Through a series of essays by a collection of culture writers, including Musa Okwonga, Aniefiok Ekpoudom and Jeanette Kwakye, A New Formation will examine and celebrate the variance found in Blackness. From Ian Wright's impact on contemporary Black culture to Anita Asante's compelling journey, by way of Andy Cole's experience as a child of Windrush generation parents. A New Formation places footballers into contexts larger than themselves, and each moving essay found in this anthology reveals the rich cultural tapestry of Black life in Britain, and the essential role that Black footballers - past and present - have played in constructing it.

CARICOM magazine is a printed publication that explores the space where the Black-British experience and football intersect.Football is an integral part of British working class culture - finding its origins in social clubs, factories and churches – and the sport is still defined by an inherent ability to offer commonality of purpose to all and any associated. At its best, football articulates deep structures of social togetherness, uniting differing faiths and ethnicities and encouraging a sense of belonging and community amongst its audience.Though corporate entities and dubious foreign ownership models continue to encroach upon the beautiful game, the capacity of football clubs and football fans to operate as vehicles for social change and re-education remains undimmed. In fact, with the aid of social media and socialist leaning grassroots schemes, this capability is now more effective than ever. What better landscape, then, to map out and mediate on topics such as belonging, ownership, identity, race and representation?The print issue of volume one will be comprised of 9 essays, a double-sided poster and a photo series by Chris Baker presented in a visually stunning format with a coherent theme. Artwork will be provided by a wide variety of emerging artists including: Jesse Rivers, Chester Holme and Stuart Ruel.