In a bid to support and improve diversity in football, sportswear giant Adidas and British rapper Stormzy, are joining forces for an initiative called #Merky FC.
The initiative is described as “a programme committed to enhancing and protecting diverse representation in the football industry,” with a focus on addressing “the lack of diversity off the pitch in football, and provide access to a host of multi-year, paid professional placements across the industry.”
Sharing the exciting news on his socials alongside a short trailer, Stormzy wrote: “Introducing #Merky FC. A project from @adidasfootball & myself. #Merky FC aims to help level the playing field by giving off-pitch opportunities to young Black people in the beautiful game of football. ”
Introducing #Merky FC. A project from @adidasfootball & myself. #Merky FC aims to help level the playing field by giving off-pitch opportunities to young Black people in the beautiful game of football.
Join us at https://t.co/pllMjqO5zv to watch our launch.#merkyfc pic.twitter.com/xSXYDDlvtq
— Stormzy (@stormzy) November 3, 2022
The initiative was birthed as a result of a research finding commissioned by Adidas and Fare Network, that revealed that only 6.7% of senior football positions are held by people who identify as Black or of mixed Black heritage.
Only 26% of young Black British men plan to pursue a career in football, despite the fact that 39% of Premier League players identify as having Black or mixed Black heritage, according to the study.
However, the majority of the 52% of Black women who took part in the study expressed interest in pursuing a career in football, even though they acknowledged that they were unsure of their chances of success due to their gender.
A press release stated, “One of the biggest challenges faced by young Black people trying to break into the industry is their ethnic background (33 per cent), as well as awareness and access to information on available roles off the pitch (27 per cent).
“Physio, TV presenter and nutritionist are the most well-known roles within the wider football industry for this group. However, just 12-14 per cent of respondents think they would be considered for each of these positions.”
Expected to launch in January 2023, Stormzy and Adidas will also partner with companies such as Manchester United, Fulham FC, and Sky Sports, to bring forth a careers programme, and will see each company provide “work placements from operations and community to creative and marketing within their businesses in a bid to change the game.”
We're just getting started.
Creating a new generation of leaders with @Stormzy and #MerkyFC 🤝#MUFC || @adidasFootball
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 3, 2022
In a statement, Stormzy said: “Just 6.7 per cent of senior roles in football are taken by someone who identifies as Black or mixed Black heritage. We barely see any Black Team Managers, Coaches, Sports Presenters, Assistants, Ops Managers, Sales Managers, Accountants, Marketing Managers or Physiotherapists – the list goes on, nor are many of us even aware of the vast roles available within the football industry.
“Through the #Merky FC initiative we hope to inspire real change within this field as part of my wider commitment to support racial equality in the UK.
“With the support of adidas and the additional 10 partners, we will be in a position to aid the people who may have experienced disadvantages during their football career pathway. We strongly encourage other companies to join us in our mission.”
The news precedes the November 25 arrival of Stormzy’s next album, “This Is What I Mean,” via 0207 Def Jam.
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
