Guild Collaborates with #Merky FC

Guild Esports PLC (LSE: GILD; OTCQB: GULDF), a global gaming-focused media business, is pleased to announce that it 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 first established in 2022 by Stormzy and global sports brand adidas, with an ambition to effect change across the football community by addressing the lack of diversity off the pitch.

This year sees Stormzy and adidas bring together a collective of allies: 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.

#Merky FC releases new report highlighting the impact of allyship in the football industry

In addition to the career programme, #Merky FC has published a new report that uncovers the barriers faced by young Black people and the #Merky FC approach to changing the game. With the ambition to encourage both the industry and fans alike to make the assist, the report models the potential impact of allyship and how initiatives like #Merky FC can help to increase representation in the football industry.

Developed through an expert team of behavioural scientist and data analysts, #Merky FC's research found 72% of people from Black or mixed Black heritage are more likely to apply for a #Merky FC role if it's recommended by a friend, using this insight in combination with existing data on representation in the football industry, application bias and job openings, plus the impact of adding #Merky FC roles, the report models a projection of a 40% increase in Black representation over 5 years.

Jasmine Skee, CEO 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."