Sky Sports and Kick It Out Renew Their Partnership

Sky Sports and Kick It Out have announced a one-year extension of their partnership, marking their sixth year of collaboration. This renewed commitment is valued at £1m, comprising a mix of financial support and value-in-kind contributions, aimed at combating discrimination and fostering career opportunities within the football industry. Over the past year, Sky Sports has actively supported numerous Kick It Out initiatives, including the launch of the 'Football United' strategy, a partnership with Guinness 0.0, and the online education platform, The Academy. The Raise Your Game programme, designed to provide underrepresented communities with a foothold in football, has also received significant backing. Kick It Out's 'Football United' strategy was unveiled in September, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville in attendance, while presenter Bela Shah hosted the launch event and mentored two Raise Your Game delegates, Elliott-Jay Henry and Razaq Folarin. Sky Sports has also played a key role in promoting Kick It Out's partnership with Guinness 0.0, which aims to make pubs more welcoming and inclusive. The partnership will provide training for thousands of Greene King staff to identify and address football-related discrimination. Additionally, Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth hosted Kick It Out's Media Raise Your Game event, which drew a record number of attendees. A documentary about Kick It Out founder Lord Herman Ouseley was produced and broadcast on Sky Sports, highlighting his enduring impact on the organisation. This film was also shown at England's game against Latvia, coinciding with what would have been Lord Ouseley's 80th birthday. Sky's £30m commitment to addressing structural inequality has supported various initiatives, including a joint scholarship programme with the University of Liverpool Management School, providing underrepresented students with the opportunity to earn an MBA in Football Industries. Kick It Out's digital learning platform, The Academy, has delivered educational content to nearly 5,000 people, thanks to ongoing investment from Sky. Hollie Varney, COO of Kick It Out, expressed gratitude for Sky's continued support, stating that the partnership is crucial to providing education and development opportunities for underrepresented communities in football. David Carrigan, Group Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at Sky, emphasized the company's long-term commitment to tackling structural inequality in football, leveraging its platform and influence to create opportunities and challenge discrimination. Sky Sports is dedicated to maintaining a hate-free environment on its social media platforms and website, encouraging users to report any instances of abuse or hate speech.