FA Leadership Diversity Code: Over 40 Clubs Commit to Introducing Hiring Targets | Football news

Raheem Sterling’s passionate calls on soccer to address the lack of black representation in positions of power have helped inspire the launch of the new FA Soccer Leadership Diversity Code, with more than 40 clubs committed to introducing recruitment targets. .

Teams, including 19 of the 20 Premier League teams, Southampton the only one that did not join, and a selection from the EFL, WSL and the Women’s Championship, as well as England, have adhered to the voluntary code, committing to address inequality in all senior leadership positions, broader team operations, and coaching roles.

The Code aims to increase accountability and transparency, as well as move away from recruitment practices that focus on personal networks.

In the wake of protests against racism around the world earlier this year, Sterling appeared on the BBC show. News night lamenting the disparity between the number of high-profile BAME players and the shortage of those who go on to land important management, coaching or administrative positions.

Reflecting on the new FA Code, Paul Elliott, chair of the FA Inclusion Advisory Board, said Sky Sports News: “It’s the right time for football. Raheem Sterling motivated me when he said, ‘When I look up, I don’t see people who look like me.’ That was an appropriate consideration in my thinking.

“Many people have been talking about the problem, but I think it is even more difficult to find a solution.

“Over the last 25 years in football, there has been a lot of progress with a number of positive action programs, but there has been no model or structure that makes football accountable and creates opportunities that have been lacking in last three generations We cannot claim that, but what we can do is implement a sustainable model.

“I really think that, given the last eight months in which there has been so much communication about institutional, structural and systemic racism and social inequity, that – with Black Lives Matter – has really fueled the debate.

“What has been created here is the 21st century model for soccer to address underrepresentation issues and provide employment opportunities, through targets, that hold soccer accountable.”

Elliott sought the advice of a group of expert players, including Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Tyrone Mings, Nikita Parris, and Lucy Bronze, as well as Bobby Barnes of the PFA.

He said that the players of this current generation are “extremely powerful” and praised their “positive contribution” to the Code.

Elliott says he is “over the moon” by the number of clubs that have signed up and hopes more will follow suit after launch.

“I wrote a personal letter to each executive of the 92 clubs and we recovered a substantial amount.

“Outside of that, achieving more than 40 clubs is a measure of how football wants to evolve and advance.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of other clubs that will want to get in on this, with the wellness factor and momentum. I’m sure those numbers will increase.”

Edleen John, director of corporate and international affairs for the FA and co-partner for equality, diversity and inclusion, said Sky Sports News: “We want this code to be something that ends up being applied in the professional game.

“There is a trip and we want other clubs to join.”

The Premier League, whose own Equality Standard (PLES) was launched in 2015, says it supports the FA Code which “complements the significant work that the League and its clubs have already done, demonstrating our collective and ongoing commitment to promoting of equality, diversity and inclusion “. throughout the game. “

In a statement, Southampton said it “fully supports” the FA Code, adding: “In 2020, Southampton FC achieved the Premier League Advanced Equality Standard the first time they requested it.

“At this time, the club considers the most appropriate course of action to expect and understand how a revised Premier League Equality Standard and the Diversity Code of Soccer Leadership will work together and complement each other before reviewing our goals of recruitment and processes already in place.

“We have had productive and encouraging discussions with Paul Elliott on this issue and we will continue to work closely with him on this.”

The introduction of a ‘Rooney Rule’, an NFL-originated policy that requires clubs to interview at least one BAME candidate for vacant coaching positions, has been widely debated in English football but has received criticism, and that guideline it only applies when there is a short list of interviewees.

The EFL introduced the quota system this year, but its effectiveness has been questioned by many, including former Burton, Northampton and QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

An EFL spokesperson said they welcome any initiative that has a positive impact on the practice of soccer recruiting and will “continue to discuss the most appropriate way to implement the code with the FA and our member clubs.”

Although the objectives in the FA Code are not mandatory, clubs must provide complete information about their hires.

On the challenge of holding clubs to account, Elliott said: “It’s not about sticks, it’s about carrots. Yes, it is voluntary, but if someone wants to do something for the right reason and there is an economic and ethical imperative, then as far as I’m concerned, he’s someone who wants to make a change.

“I’ve had one-on-one conversations with all the top executives in the country and what really moved me was that they wanted change. They understand why they have to change and the need to change.”

John added: “The general public will be the judge and jury. That transparency is what we wanted to create. While there are no sanctions, the general public review means there is a perspective that can be given and reflected on clubs.”

‘We are rewriting the book’

Kick it Out President Sanjay Bhandari said Sky Sports News: “This is potentially transformative for the game and changes the way people enter, stay and continue in the game.

“We are rewriting that book, but this is only chapter one and there is much more work to be done.”

Bhandari believes that the objectives of the Code and the emphasis on female candidates mean that it goes beyond the Rooney Rule.

“I don’t think it is appropriate for it to be mandatory,” Bhandari said. “I would rather clubs enthusiastically embrace equality rather than grudgingly comply.

“The reality is that change is driven by people who want to change and you will get better change if people sign up.”

‘A positive step forward’

The FA hopes to encourage all-society recruiting and is adapting a similar model for the National League System and grassroots clubs in March next year.

In a statement, FA Executive Director Mark Bullingham said: “I would like to thank the players, coaches, human resources directors, media, and league and club officials from across football who have contributed to the development of the Code.

“Together we have created commitments that will drive real change throughout the game.

“The Code will hold clubs, leagues and our own organization accountable and ensure opportunities for everyone to work at all levels in football.

“We remain deeply committed to doing everything we can to address inequality in all its forms and provide a game free from discrimination. Today is a really positive step forward.”

Teams that will adopt the Code as founding signatories: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford, Burnley, Burton Albion, Cambridge United, Chelsea, Coventry City, Coventry United, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Durham Women, England, Everton, Fleetwood Town Fulham, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Leicester City, Lewes, Lincoln City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Oxford United, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, QPR, Sheffield United, Stoke City, Swansea City, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Wolves