Sky Sports and Kick It Out Renew Partnership to Fight Discrimination in Football
Sky Sports and Kick It Out have extended their partnership for another year, continuing a six-year collaboration aimed at making football more inclusive. The renewed agreement involves a £1 million investment to tackle discrimination and create career opportunities in the sport. This partnership reflects both organizations' long-term commitment to addressing structural inequality in football.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Inclusion
The partnership supports various initiatives designed to promote diversity both on and off the pitch. Over the past year, Sky Sports has backed several Kick It Out programs, including the launch of the new 'Football United' strategy. This five-year plan focuses on making the football industry more reflective of the talent in underrepresented communities. The collaboration also includes support for educational platforms and career development programs that provide practical opportunities in football.
Key initiatives supported through this partnership include:
- The Academy: An online education platform delivering content on equality, diversity, and inclusion to nearly 5,000 participants
- Raise Your Game: A program giving young people from underrepresented communities their first steps into football careers
- Football United Strategy: A comprehensive five-year plan launched in September with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville in attendance
- Guinness 0.0 Partnership: An initiative to make pubs more welcoming spaces during football matches
Creating Real Opportunities in Football
The partnership goes beyond financial support to create tangible career pathways. Sky Sports professionals have actively mentored participants in the Raise Your Game program, with Sky Sports News presenter Bela Shah guiding two delegates through their first hosting experiences. The collaboration has also produced educational content, including a documentary about Kick It Out founder Lord Herman Ouseley, which was shown during England's match against Latvia in March 2025.
Educational initiatives extend to formal qualifications as well. Eight candidates have graduated through a joint scholarship program with the University of Liverpool Management School, earning MBAs in Football Industries. This program specifically targets students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing them with the credentials needed for leadership roles in football administration and management.
Industry Leaders on the Partnership's Impact
Hollie Varney, COO of Kick It Out, emphasized how the partnership has evolved over six years to provide unique opportunities. "This goes to the heart of our new 'Football United' strategy where we want to see the industry be more reflective of the talent which is all around us," she said. The collaboration focuses on ensuring everyone in football stands up to discrimination while creating practical pathways for underrepresented communities.
David Carrigan, Group Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at Sky, highlighted the partnership's comprehensive approach. "Extending this partnership reflects our long-term commitment to tackling structural inequality in football - not just through funding, but by using Sky's platform and influence to create opportunities, amplify voices and challenge discrimination wherever it exists," he explained. The goal is to build a game that truly reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Key Takeaways
- Sky Sports and Kick It Out have extended their partnership for a sixth year with a £1 million investment
- The collaboration supports multiple initiatives including educational platforms, career development programs, and inclusion strategies
- Real opportunities have been created through mentorship, scholarships, and practical experience in football media and administration
- The partnership focuses on making football more reflective of diverse communities both on and off the pitch
- Both organizations emphasize long-term commitment to tackling structural inequality in football
— Editorial Team
