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 a significant milestone in their joint efforts to create a more inclusive football environment. This commitment, valued at £1m in cash and value-in-kind support, aims to tackle discrimination and provide career opportunities within the sport. The partnership, now entering its sixth year, underscores the organizations' dedication to fostering a welcoming atmosphere in football. Over the past year, Sky Sports has actively supported various Kick It Out initiatives, including the launch of the 'Football United' strategy, a new partnership with Guinness 0.0, and the development of The Academy, an online education platform. Additionally, Sky Sports has played a key role in mentoring young individuals from underrepresented communities through the Raise Your Game program, offering them a chance to break into the football industry. The partnership has also facilitated the creation of a documentary about Kick It Out founder Lord Herman Ouseley, which was showcased on Sky Sports and at an England match to educate younger audiences about his legacy. This collaboration is part of Sky's broader £30m initiative to combat structural inequality, demonstrating the company's long-term commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in football. According to Hollie Varney, COO of Kick It Out, this partnership is crucial in providing unique education and development opportunities for underrepresented communities, aligning with the organization's 'Football United' strategy. David Carrigan, Group Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at Sky, emphasized the importance of this partnership in driving forward a more inclusive game, utilizing Sky's platform to challenge discrimination and create opportunities. Sky Sports remains dedicated to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment across its online platforms, encouraging fans to report any instances of hate or abuse.