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, encompasses a £1m investment in a combination of financial support and value-in-kind contributions aimed at combating discrimination and fostering career opportunities within the sport. Over the past year, Sky Sports has actively supported various Kick It Out initiatives, including the introduction of the 'Football United' strategy, a five-year plan designed to unite the football community against discrimination. The partnership has also facilitated the launch of Kick It Out's online education platform, The Academy, and the Raise Your Game programme, which provides underrepresented youth with a platform to initiate their careers in football. Notable Sky Sports personalities, such as Gary Neville and Bela Shah, have been instrumental in mentoring young talents and promoting inclusivity. Furthermore, the partnership has led to the production of a documentary highlighting the legacy of Kick It Out founder Lord Herman Ouseley, which was showcased on Sky Sports and at an England match. The collaboration is part of Sky's broader £30m initiative to address structural inequality, demonstrating the company's dedication to creating a more inclusive and representative football industry. According to Hollie Varney, COO of Kick It Out, the partnership embodies the organisation's mission to promote equality and challenge discrimination, while David Carrigan, Group Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at Sky, underscored the company's long-term commitment to driving positive change in football.