Guild Esports PLC (LSE:GILD, OTCQB:GULDF) has become the first professional gaming team to collaborate with #Merky FC, a national careers programme created to enhance and protect diverse representation in football, to create more leadership and professional development opportunities for young black people in the UK.
#Merky FC was established by UK grime star Stormzy and global sports brand Adidas in 2022, with an ambition to effect change across the football community by addressing the lack of diversity off the pitch.
Stormzy and Adidas have brought together 25 leading brands, including Guild Esports, Manchester United, Arsenal, Sky Sports, LADbible and Electronic Arts, to form part of a career placement programme kick-starting in January 2024, aiming to provide 50 off-pitch roles.
Each placement will provide work opportunities, spanning from operations and community to creative and marketing, in a bid to change the game for black and black-mixed-heritage youth.
Jasmine Skee, chief executive of Guild Esports, commented: "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.
“Gaming and esports are creative industries that suffer from a lack of diversity, but by taking the action suggested in the report commissioned by Stormzy and Adidas, we can create more opportunities for under-represented communities and hope to see long-term change across the industry.
“Guild is committed to promoting diversity across esports, and this initiative follows our successful work in providing viable professional opportunities for women in the space."