Guild Esports PLC on Tuesday said it is the first professional gaming team to join the #Merky FC programme to boost career opportunities for young Black people in the football industry.
The London-based esports business said it has joined 25 other ‘leading brands’ such as Manchester United, Sky Sports and LADbible to form part of the #Merky FC national career placement programme.
#Merky FC, established by Adidas AG and rap artist Stormzy in 2022, aims to ‘effect change across the football community by addressing the lack of diversity off the pitch.’
Guild Esports said the latest work placement programme will start in January and provide 50 off-pitch roles in a range of sectors, ‘[bringing] together a collective of allies...in a bid to change the game for Black and Black-mixed-heritage youth.’
‘Addressing the distinct lack of representation that exists across so many industries is of great importance and informed the decision for Guild Esports to be the first professional gaming team to partner with #Merky FC,’ commented Chief Executive Officer Jasmine Skee.
‘Gaming and esports are creative industries that suffer from a lack of diversity, but...we can create more opportunities for under-represented communities and hope to see long-term change across the industry.’
Guild Esports shares were up 5.7% at 0.52 pence in London on Tuesday.
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