Sky Sports and Kick It Out Renew Their Partnership

Sky Sports and Kick It Out have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting inclusivity in football by extending their partnership for an additional year. This renewed collaboration, now in its sixth year, is backed by a £1m investment in a combination of financial and value-in-kind support, aimed at tackling discrimination and creating opportunities within the sport. Over the past year, Sky Sports has actively supported various Kick It Out initiatives, including the launch of the 'Football United' strategy, a partnership with Guinness 0.0, and educational programs like The Academy and Raise Your Game. These efforts have been instrumental in fostering a more welcoming environment in football. The partnership has also enabled the creation of career opportunities, with Sky Sports pundits and presenters, such as Gary Neville and Bela Shah, playing key roles in mentoring and supporting young individuals from underrepresented communities. Furthermore, Sky has helped promote Kick It Out's initiatives, including a documentary about the organization's founder, Lord Herman Ouseley, and has provided digital support to highlight his legacy. The extension of this partnership underscores the long-term commitment of both Sky Sports and Kick It Out to addressing structural inequality and promoting diversity in football. As part of Sky's £30m commitment to tackling inequality, the investment in Kick It Out has supported numerous initiatives, including a joint scholarship program with the University of Liverpool Management School, which has provided opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds to earn an MBA in Football Industries. Hollie Varney, COO of Kick It Out, expressed gratitude for Sky's ongoing support, emphasizing the importance of the partnership in realizing the vision of a more inclusive football industry. David Carrigan, Group Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at Sky, reiterated the company's commitment to driving positive change in football, highlighting the importance of using Sky's platform to challenge discrimination and create opportunities. Sky Sports remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and respectful environment on its social media platforms, encouraging fans to report any instances of hate or abuse.