Illegitimately Blessed – Ricky Weir

In a world obsessed with labels, one man’s extraordinary life defies categorization. Ricky’s story begins with a brush with non-existence — nearly aborted, then born “illegitimately” and black in a society where neither was welcome. Advertised in a newspaper like unwanted goods, he was adopted by a Scottish couple, one with roots in apartheid-era South Africa.
The stage seemed set for a life of confusion, rejection, and struggle. However, destiny had other plans through football as a player, coach, manager, president and benefactor which became his platform in life for empowerment.
From the streets of Scotland to the heart of black communities in Kenya and Nigeria, Ricky’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. He navigated the choppy waters of racial identity, constantly shape-shifting to fit in—first as a black child in a white world, then as a white man seeking acceptance among black peers.
This raw, unflinching memoir peels back the layers of a life lived between worlds. With unforgettable candour, Ricky reveals:
• The surprising blessings hidden within a turbulent childhood
• How he conquered adversity and turned potential vulnerability into strength
• The moment he realized that true belonging comes from within

Illegitimately Blessed is more than a story of survival—it’s a roadmap for anyone who has ever felt out of place in their own skin. Ricky’s hard-won wisdom will inspire you to:
• Break free from societal expectations and embrace your authentic self
• Find purpose and meaning in life’s most challenging circumstances
• Build unshakeable resilience and self-awareness

In a time when division seems to rule, Ricky’s life stands as a bridge between worlds, a powerful reminder that our shared humanity transcends all boundaries. This is not just a memoir; it’s a revolution of the spirit, a call to arms for anyone who has ever longed to simply be themselves.
Prepare to be moved, challenged, and ultimately transformed by this remarkable journey from illegitimacy to self-actualization. Illegitimately Blessed isn’t just Ricky’s story—it might just be yours too.

Ricky Weir, a certified accountant and dedicated father to three sons, Michael, Calvin and Aiden currently holds several advisory, consultancy and ambassadorial roles across the African football landscape.
He has a tremendous passion in embracing the power of football across his own life and that of others, not only across Africa, but on his own doorstep often citing his own experiences as real-life examples, by way of setting an example and providing inspiration to young people.
Football has been his platform for empowerment for almost 60 years since his early playing days in Scotland as a young black kid, across the spectrum of coaching and management, before being elected as President of his National Football Association, the youngest ever and the first person of colour to achieve this feat in its 100-year history.
After an impromptu visit to Nairobi in late 2012, he founded the Jersey 2 Africa 4 Football Foundation (“J2A”), with a mission dedicated to positively impacting young lives in Africa both on and off the field using the power of football.
That’s where his story begins.
How it unravels and ends is for you, (the reader) to find out.