PGMOL & Kick It Out Announce New Partnership
PGMOL and Kick It Out have announced a new partnership which will see the two bodies join forces to champion equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in football.
The agreement demonstrates both organisations’ commitment to a more inclusive and diverse football community by creating an innovative digital learning space that will see PGMOL staff and match officials taking part in educational sessions across the year via Kick It Out’s online platform, The Academy.
Allyship, LGBTQ+, racism, antisemitism, misogyny and sexism are just some of the modules which the staff and officials will complete as they equip themselves with a broader knowledge of values and cultures, as well as a greater understanding of diversity and under-represented communities across society.
The regular interactive sessions are designed to provide an engaging, thought-provoking and insightful learning experience to staff as well as referees and assistant referees who officiate in the Premier League, EFL, Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship and National League.
Access will also be provided to members of CORE X, a new programme created by PGMOL and the FA to strengthen the pathway between the grassroots and elite game for officials from under-represented communities.
Howard Webb, PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer, said: “We believe equipping our staff and officials with this broader knowledge of different values, cultures and under-represented communities courtesy of a series of educational tools will be hugely beneficial to all at PGMOL as well as the wider football community.
“We are very pleased to announce this partnership with Kick It Out which reaffirms our commitment to driving positive change across the board and sees us take another significant step, as we continue to strengthen not only our welcoming and inclusive culture at PGMOL but also aiming to assist in fostering a football environment where everyone feels valued and respected.”
Tony Burnett, Kick It Out CEO, said: “We are delighted to partner with PGMOL to provide match officials with direct access to our educational courses and resources related to a wide range of EDI topics.
“Education is a powerful tool for creating a more understanding environment within football and this digital learning partnership will enable match officials to expand their knowledge in areas related to diversity and inclusion which can be applied on or off the pitch.
“The Academy has already reached hundreds of stakeholders throughout football, and we believe this announcement will broaden our reach and further the impact we have in tackling discrimination. Match officials play an important role in combating discrimination and we look forward to working with PGMOL as we roll out these resources over the coming months.”
Image: PGMOL
