Stormzy and Adidas announce a new chapter for #merky fc with a new year-round online platform to connect UK Black heritage youth to employment opportunities in the football industry
22 November 2024 - Press release- The announcement marks the third year of the #Merky Football Careers initiative
- This year #Merky FC will evolve from an annual application opportunity to a year-round platform providing ongoing job roles, career advice and networking opportunities throughout the year
- This next chapter builds on the success of the last two years, with 63 roles added to the UK football industry so far, and 39 of these roles retained
- Visit merkyfc.com to find out more about #Merky FC
- Watch the launch video here
Today, adidas and Stormzy announce the next phase of the #Merky Football Careers partnership. This year, the initiative will evolve into a year-round platform run in collaboration with #Merky FC’s recruitment partner DIVERSE, providing young people of UK Black Heritage with employment opportunities and careers resources throughout the year. Watch here.
The platform will serve as an online destination supporting both the current cohort who are already in roles, and the wider community who have applied for roles. Throughout the year, young people will be able to find and apply for roles available in the football industry, receive advice and guidance on career development, alongside exclusive access to networking opportunities and events hosted by DIVERSE. This will also include expanding some of these sessions to in-person events at #Merky FC HQ.
Since its 2022 launch, #Merky FC has seen a 273% increase in applications, equating to one applicant for every four available football industry jobs. The initiative has brought together a collective of allies - 25 leading brands in the football industry, from Manchester United and Arsenal, to Sky Sports and LADbible. In its first two years #Merky FC has added 63 roles to the UK football industry for young people of UK Black Heritage, with 39 roles retained for extended periods.
In addition to #Merky Football Careers, this year adidas and Stormzy unveiled #Merky FC HQ; a community space in Croydon opened to increase opportunities for young people to connect in real life and explore their interests. #MerkyFC HQ has already hosted 1,000s of young people in local community at events and educational activities throughout, providing vital access to training and development opportunities for young people in the local community and beyond.
Steve Marks, Senior Director Brand Communications, adidas said: “As a platform for the football industry at large, we are excited to launch year 3 of #MerkyFC Careers. The first two years have created a solid platform, and it is the right time to shift the programme to a year-round platform, creating more awareness and extended opportunities to continue to drive equity in the UK football business. The fact a high percentage of the recruits are being retained beyond their initial year placement is a testament to the concept and one that we are extremely proud of.”
Tobi Ogundipe, Founder of DIVERSE., said: “I’m proud that adidas and Stormzy continue to give us a powerful platform to inspire and impact the lives of young people through careers support, events, and work opportunities in football. It’s been incredible to see these talented individuals grow and finally get the chance to show what they can do. The brands involved have worked together to help us build, educate and hire from a new community of young people who previously had no connections in football. The best part is they’re now becoming the future faces of the industry and inspiring others from the black community to apply and join the mission as well.”
The collaboration between adidas and Stormzy remains steadfast in its ambition to help enhance ethnic diversity in the football industry. As part of adidas’ global ambition to help make sport equal, the brand is committed to creating a lasting-legacy of career opportunities off the pitch for young people of Black and mixed Black heritage.
Using the power of sport to create a better future for the planet and people, the brand is focused on creating possibilities through products, programmes and partnerships. From an understanding that this can’t be done alone, adidas works collaboratively with – and supports - fellow change-makers on the journey to enabling access, equity and safety for our communities.
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