A landmark photography project
Alex Williams was born in Moss Side in 1961, a stone’s throw away from Manchester City’s Maine Road ground. He signed for his local club in 1979. After gaining England youth honours he made his first team debut aged just 19 in 1981 and thus became the first black goalkeeper to appear in the top flight of English football. He made 125 league and cup appearances for Manchester City before Alex was forced to retire from football with s reoccurring back injury in 1987.
Alex is still at the club in the role as a ‘City in the Community Ambassador' and was awarded the MBE in the 2002 New Year’s Honours list for his services to young people.
Alex Williams, 1983
Alex keeping goal against Man Utd in 1989
“This Club changed my life. After more than 120 appearances for Manchester City as a goalkeeper, I retired from football and started my job with City in the Community so I could use the same football club that changed my life to make a positive impact on the lives of other local Manchester people.” - Alex Williams
Photography by Hixem Barbudo Garcia and Fernando Ruiz-Galvez
THE SHOOT: Manchester City Academy Stadium
The base for the club's community project work
Student reflection: Fernando Ruiz-Galvez
"This Greater Mancunians photography experience with Alex Williams at the Manchester City Academy, was a fabulous opportunity to gain valuable industry experience. As a passionate follower of football, it was a privilege to work with someone who has been such a positive role model for young people across the city. Alex was really supportive of our project and a pleasure to work with."
