Kick It Out statement on EFL's BAME Managers and Coaches proposals

Friday 10 Jun 2016
Back to news >

Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation, has released a statement after clubs at the English Football League’s (EFL) 2016 AGM, voted in changes to their recruitment practices to address the under-representation of qualified Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) coaches at Academy and first-team club level.

The statement from Kick It Out reads:

Kick It Out is fully supportive of the vote by EFL member clubs to increase employment opportunities for managers and coaches from a BAME background and wishes to congratulate all involved for this significant development.

There is an under-representation of BAME coaches and managers in English football and these new recruitment policies are a step in the right direction to address this issue and offer opportunities for those who wish to work in the industry.

Kick It Out was one of a number of sports and inclusion campaign organisations who engaged with the EFL on this matter during an extensive consultation, and we are delighted to see it being implemented in 2016/17.

Lord Herman Ouseley, Kick It Out Chair, said: “This is a ground-breaking decision by the English Football League that will ultimately be beneficial in introducing best recruitment practices in all football clubs, producing appointments to coaching and managerial positions on merit.

“It will also open up opportunities for BAME qualified coaches to be considered fairly by removing barriers and creating a level playing field.

“We welcome these reforms and would like to congratulate the English Football League Chairman Greg Clarke and staff behind the scenes, who have worked tirelessly on this.

“This is not a panacea to deliver proportionate number of BAME coaches and managers overnight, as some people argue for.

“However, it provides a first, but important, step towards giving confidence to qualified BAME coaches that they will have the opportunity to apply for vacancies, will be considered fairly on merit to be interviewed and will not be affected by bias and prejudice when final appointment decisions are made.”

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

Archives

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010