The FA has published its new Diversity Code, a piece of work led by Paul Elliot. A third of all professional footballers are black and the new code sets targets of 15% of executive posts going to BAME candidates, 25% of coaching jobs (and 10% of senior coaching roles), and 30% of executive posts going to women (with 50% of coaches for women’s clubs). These are recruitment targets for new appointments. Details here https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/oct/27/football-leadership-diversity-code-launched-271020 So far only Southampton of the PL clubs hasn’t signed up - on the grounds that they already exceed the standards, which don’t go far enough, especially for women. Also they want to see what the PL does with its Equality Standards, currently being reviewed. No sanctions for failure to achieve as far as I can see. FA CEO Mark Bullingham said change at senior level is crucial “ QPR is a brilliant club with lots of diversity because they have diversity at a senior level” so bully for us. We have signed up. Tyrone Mings has said that black players shouldn’t join clubs that don’t sign up. Thoughts on this initiative?
Something like this had to come and hopefully more BAME players will take their badges as a result. Whether any of the top jobs will fall their way is another thing. There are certainly plenty coaching and managing in non-league at present. As for Mings comment, a £10K+ a week difference on a job offer may prove too much to turn down...
Absolutely this. Encourage and I increase the opportunities for BAME players to undertake the training and education required to earn your badges. Associated with any additional education skills needed to be a successful coach or executive. Those eager and keen enough will make it, become role models and influencers to other BAMEs as well as contribute to identifying and resolving the challenges they faced to increase success for those following them. Just because a horse lives in a racing stable doesn’t mean it’s a race horse. The report is information. Action is the only thing that will resolve it. So how will the EPL, FA and EFL now put together a co-ordinated plan for the next 10 years. Oh, and when will they lead by example?
This is a very interesting debate Black players (vs the general population) tend to be significantly over represented but Asian players (esp SE Asian) massively under represented in the professional game I hope that the industry / governing bodies don't lurch into mandatory quotas but promote "best person for the job" whilst working with minority groups to develop skills to help with readiness for non playing roles Time will tell, but the governing bodies haven't had a great record when it comes to large scale campaigns...
