Stormzy and adidas just announced the launch of a new collaborative venture – #Merky FC – that seeks to provide young Black people with career opportunities and mentoring in the football industry.

The movement partners with 11 companies working in football – including VERSUS – to offer paid work placements that span the wide range of careers that exist in the space, from operations and community to creative and marketing.

The launch of #Merky FC comes as research commissioned by adidas with FARE Network reveals just 6.7% of senior roles in football are taken by someone who identifies as Black or mixed Black heritage. Even though the sport may appear diverse on the field of play, with 39% of Premier League players identifying as Black or mixed Black heritage, it is a different story off the pitch.

Speaking on the launch of #Merky FC, Stormzy said:

"We barely see any black Team Managers, Coaches, Sports Presenters, Assistants, Ops Managers, Sales Managers, Accountants, Marketing Managers or Physiotherapists - the list goes on, nor are many of us even aware of the vast roles available within the football industry.

Through the #Merky FC initiative we hope to inspire real change within this field as part of my wider commitment to support racial equality in the UK.

With the support of adidas and the additional 10 partners, we will be in a position to aid the people who may have experienced disadvantages during their football career pathway. We strongly encourage other companies to join us in our mission.”

Applications for the placements open soon, with companies involved also including Manchester United, Fulham, Sky Sports, Wasserman, and more.

Visit merkyfc.com now to find out more.