Stormzy and Adidas launch #Merky FC report showing need for allyship in football

Stormzy and Adidas have announced the expansion of #Merky FC by sharing a report highlighting the impact of allyship within the football industry.The Croydon grime artist teamed up with the athletic apparel and footwear corporation last year in a bid to improve diversity in the sport.At the time, the initiative said it was aiming to address “the lack of diversity off the pitch in football, and provide access to a host of multi-year, paid professional placements across the industry”.Today (October 5) Stormzy and Adidias have ushered in the next chapter of their #Merky FC partnership. They’ve said that the scheme will “broaden its scope and impact by tripling the number of roles available”.A new report published by #Merky FC highlights “the barriers faced by young Black people” in football, as well as the initiative’s “approach to changing the game” to make it more inclusive.#Merky FC will this year increase the number of off-pitch roles from 15 to 50, with both Adidas and Stormzy bringing together a collective of allies to form part of a careers programme kick-starting in January 2024.These include placements at 25 leading brands including Manchester United, Arsenal, Sky Sports, LADbible, EA, ITV and Women In Football (see the full list below).Candidates can visit merkyfc.com to find more information and register their interest in the roles from today until October 19.Each placement will provide work opportunities spanning operations and community to creative and marketing, in an effort to change the game for Black and Black mixed heritage youth.#Merky FC is back, but this year, we've got to go bigger.Share one of the 50 #MerkyFC roles with a friend now to change the game.