From Rejection to OBE and Beyond

Tonbridge School’s African-Caribbean Society (ACS) had the pleasure of hosting former Saracens FC Captain and experienced educational leader, Floyd Steadman OBE, who delivered a thought-provoking and inspiring talk.

Floyd spoke on the topics of discrimination and overcoming adversity, his challenging family life and experience in entering the care system in 1960s London. Through perseverance and dedication, Floyd successfully overcame barriers and achieved his aspirations of becoming a teacher. He also made history in becoming the first black Saracens F.C. Captain at the age of twenty three, leading the team to great success during the 1980s.

Master in Charge of the ACS, Kurt Seecharan, said, “The story of Floyd’s vresilience in the face of adversity is inspirational and encompasses dealing with a variety of difficulties in and out of school, challenges and prejudices because of the colour of his skin and overcoming them to play for and captain Saracens FC. Floyd went on to become a teacher and then Headmaster at Salcombe Preparatory, Cumnor House, Downsend and Clifton Lodge schools as well as an ISI inspector.”

An Upper Sixth student who attended the event said, “Mr. Steadman OBE, not only opened my mind to my personal potential as both an athlete and a student but also empowered me to exceed the expectations that people may put on me based on my skin colour.”