Breaking Barriers: Stormzy's Game-Changing Merky FC Drive to Revolutionize Diversity in Football
Stormzy and adidas join forces to boost inclusivity in football through their expanded Merky FC partnership Discover the strategies and goals behind this initiative to promote diversity and drive positive change in the industry
Stormzy and adidas are taking their Merky FC partnership to new heights as they strive to promote diversity in the football industry. Following the successful initiative launched by the musician in 2022, which provided opportunities to 15 individuals within the industry, this year's cohort will witness a significant expansion, with more than triple the number of roles being offered. The exciting announcement is coupled with the release of a new report that sheds light on the obstacles young black people encounter in pursuing careers in football.
Fuelled by data demonstrating that 56% of individuals with a young black heritage aspire to pursue careers in the industry, while only 6.7% of senior positions are held by this community, We is one of several brands offering internships in an effort to instigate change.
"Stormzy is undeniably a frontrunner in the realm of representation," stated Steve Marks, adidas' senior director of brand communications, in an interview with We. "Although representation on the pitch may not be an issue, there exists a significant problem off the pitch.
"Stormzy possesses the potential to take the lead and ignite change in this area, and we are fully dedicated for the long haul. We are not merely testing the waters here. It is a profound issue that will not be resolved within a year, and we cannot tackle it on our own."
This year, there are 50 available roles offered by renowned brands including EA Sports, ITV, We, and Manchester United. These exciting opportunities span various creative industries, showcasing the significant impact of the game.
"Among the intriguing roles is that of an architect who designs stadiums. We aim to foster diversity in the roles we offer, promoting transformation across the entire industry. This is a widespread issue and a chance for the entire industry to make a positive change. We believe in providing representation for everyone."
Tobi Ogundipe, the founder of DIVERSE, collaborates with Merky FC in selecting and supporting individuals for these positions. He emphasizes that the industry as a whole, not just the young participants, will reap the rewards of increased representation.
According to Ogundipe, "In reality, it is the employers who gain the most. When teams comprise individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences, the most valuable outcomes are achieved. Having such diversity within the organization leads to optimal results."
The industry faces a significant issue - the absence of role models. While black success is visible on the pitch, it is lacking in the boardrooms. Witnessing individuals from similar backgrounds as Stormzy achieving great success is incredibly inspiring for the upcoming generation.
We can already see promising outcomes. The initial goal was to provide individuals a chance to enter the industry without any prior experience. Now, we are witnessing many of them securing full-time opportunities and signing employment contracts due to their achievements in the field.
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The aim is to inspire young individuals by showcasing the possibilities. "They aspire to be like Jude Bellingham or Bukayo Saka, yet they lack exposure to other black trailblazers off the field. Our goal is to encourage young people to perceive it as entirely ordinary to witness black individuals in prominent positions," Ogundipe further emphasizes.
"Historically, there has been a prevailing sense of being unwelcome. When one does not perceive oneself as desired and believes that the job description does not target them, they are unlikely to even consider applying. However, this process has been designed exclusively for you, engendering a significant shift in perspective."
At the heart of this announcement, Ogundipe emphasizes the importance of allyship. He believes it involves leveraging one's privileged position to assist those who may lack connections, background, or experience. The purpose of this program is to support individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds who have been overlooked, by enlisting predominantly non-black organizations to provide opportunities for them.
Additionally, it is important to note that change does not solely originate from the upper echelons. A noteworthy finding of the report reveals that individuals belonging to the black or mixed black community, comprising 72% of the populace, exhibit a higher inclination to apply for opportunities within Merky FC when they receive a personal recommendation from a friend.
Marks states that the majority became aware of this not from Stormzy or adidas, but through their own social circle. She emphasizes the importance of allyship in building a strong community, and the need to involve more individuals in the system to expedite progress. She stresses the belief in nurturing future leaders and cites Stormzy's vision of witnessing a CEO, influenced by this program, even at the age of 80, as a testament to the purpose behind its inception.
We must witness a transformation. This issue cannot be resolved within a five-year timeframe. However, with 11 brands in the initial year and 27 in the second, the progression will only gather momentum. This involves esteemed brands like Sky, as well as emerging platforms, collaborating to propel change. Interested individuals can explore merkyfc.com to gain further information and register for placement opportunities until October 19, 2023.
