Pathways provided for next generation of football industry employees at #RYG17

Tuesday 25 Apr 2017
Back to news >

Photo Credit: Andy O’Farrell (RPS)

Kick It Out’s national Raise Your Game mentoring conference, supported by the Premier League, took place at the Emirates on Monday (24 April), as the organisation continues to provide pathways and opportunities to the next generation of football industry employees.

It was action-packed day as 350 mentees were offered advice and guidance from a who’s who in football, with 90 mentors giving up their time, as well as a host of guests speaking at the seventh Raise Your Game.

Troy Townsend, Kick It Out’s Education Manager, started the day with a tribute to Ugo Ehiogu, before those gathered took part in a minute’s applause for the Tottenham coach, who suddenly passed away last week.

The day kicked-off with a panel session as hosts Reshmin Chowdhury and Max Rushden introduced Kick It Out Chair Lord Herman Ouseley, the Premier League’s Executive Director  Bill Bush, The FA Chairman Greg Clarke and Rimla Akhtar MBE, the Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation.

They talked about opportunities within the football industry for underrepresented groups, focusing on jobs throughout the game.

Former Charlton Athletic manager and England international Chris Powell took to the stage for a Q&A, before spending the rest of the day chatting informally with budding coaches.

The day saw extensive one:one mentoring sessions, giving mentees a chance to sit down with professionals in their chosen category from media and communications, coaching and management, grassroots and community, football business and administration, player services, sport science and refereeing.

Workshops were delivered for those interested in the media and coaching areas of the game. A careers workshop offered handy tips for CV and personal development.

The Premier League trophy was on display, providing a photo opportunity for all in attendance.

The day was brought to a close with Kick It Out ambassador Sophie Cook telling her powerful story as the first transwoman to work in the Premier League as a club photographer with AFC Bournemouth.

Troy Townsend spoke of his pride at the organisation delivering another event which positively impacts on so many people.

He said: “To see such a wide range of people come together at one venue is truly inspiring. From our fantastic group of mentors who offer advice with the benefit of experience, to the hundreds of mentees who are so passionate about achieving their dream of working in the industry.

“The day has such an exciting buzz around it and there’s such an appetite for improving the football industry and making it more representative and diverse.

“The event was supported by the Premier League and I’d like to thank them for their support of the Raise Your Game programme.”

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