Adidas and Stormzy link up for #Merky FC online platform to help Black youth find careers in football
The new platform aims to boost employment for Black youth within football.
By Nick Reilly
Stormzy has teamed up with Adidas once again as part of the #MerkyFootball careers partnership to launch a new online platform that aims to help Black youth find careers in football.
The project was first established in 2022 and aims to address racial inequality and access for UK Black Heritage Youth within football. It’s since added 63 roles for young people within the industry, with 39 of those continuing for extended periods of time.
Now, the initiative has launched a fresh online platform that aims to deliver support to those already in roles and a wider network for people already in roles.
It’s set to run throughout the year and will come as part of a collaboration with Merky’s recruitment partner DIVERSE.
“I’m proud that Adidas and Stormzy continue to give us a powerful platform to inspire and impact the lives of young people through career support, events, and work opportunities in football. It’s been incredible to see these talented individuals grow and finally get the chance to show what they can do,” said Tobi Ogundipe, Founder of DIVERSE.
“The brands involved have worked together to help us build, educate and hire from a new community of young people who previously had no connections in football. The best part is they’re now becoming the future faces of the industry and inspiring others from the black community to apply and join the mission as well.”
Steve Marks, Senior Director of Brand Communications at Adidas added: “The first two years have created a solid platform, and it is the right time to shift the programme to a year-round platform, creating more awareness and extended opportunities to continue to drive equity in the UK football business. The fact a high percentage of the recruits are being retained beyond their initial year placement is a testament to the concept and one that we are extremely proud of.”
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Earlier this year Stormzy also teamed up with Adidas to create a new centre for football, music and gaming. #MerkyFC HQ is now open in Croydon, South London and provides the local community with access to top facilities including football pitches, a recording studio, a sports gaming hub and multipurpose rooms.