Stormzy exclusive interview: Rapper launches Merky FC to fight racial inequality in football

According to figures, just 6.7 per cent of senior roles in football are taken by black or mixed heritage people.

Stormzy and adidas have announced a partnership with 10 leading brands to come together on a multi-year initiative, Merky FC, a programme committed to enhancing and protecting diverse representation in the football industry.

Changing the industry by addressing the lack of diversity off the pitch in football and providing access to a host of multi-year, paid professional placements and opportunities across the industry is what Merky FC is all about.

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In a bid to change the game, Manchester United, LADBible and other partners will support with opportunities in operations and community to creative and marketing within their businesses.

English clubs are failing to meet six out of eight pledged targets according to the Football Association's second annual report.

Stormzy spoke about the lack of senior people in football that are black or mixed heritage. Visibility is a big part of it. We didn't see a lot of black people in the media when we were younger.

We know we can kick ball, but in terms of the roles and the other positions in the industry we don't see our representation.

It's difficult to believe it when you can't see it.

Only 6.7 percent of senior roles in the game are taken by people who are black or mixed heritage, despite 43 percent of football players being black or mixed heritage. I don't think it's a big deal.

If you can see that representation on the pitch with all the players, then it should be backed up by people in positions of power.

We hope that with what we're doing, we can change.

In an exclusive Q&A with Sky Sports News, Manchester United fan Stormzy talks about the launch of Merky FC, empowering young black people, and being "starstruck" after meeting Manchester City's captain.

What does success with Merky FC look like for you?

It's out in the world and we've launched it, so I'm proud. With an idea of this size and ambition, people need to come together. We have great ideas. As soon as we came up with the idea, adidas was ready to go. My idea of success is just more brands coming on, different corners of the industry, different partners of the industry and just adding to the starting eleven that we already have. People thrive in those jobs. I always say with anything that we do, I hope that in 20 years I see someone and they're the thing at Manchester United or I am currently doing this at LADbible and that's because of the initiative of Merky FC Black people in positions of power are more likely to be away from the pitch. Seeing that grow and invite more people to come along and offer those opportunities for the young people.

I hope to inspire change, which sometimes sounds like a massive ambition and sometimes it is not. I hope that one day there is a kid who doesn't know who I am, but there is an initiative that we started that will allow them to have some ambition. Keep the ball rolling, domino effect, and hopefully that will inspire my kids', kids, kids, kids, and we put some infrastructure and real change there that will allow them to be stronger and more empowering.

Who do you consider trailblazers in football and the football industry?

Ian Wright is a famous person. I have a lot of respect for that man. His journey from a footballer to a man now, everything he does and how he stands up for what he believes in. Ian was there for me all the time. We could smell the stick that he used to get from the media. He had to be brave in the face of everything and stand up for what he thought was right. Marcus is also a part of the team. I think it's easier for me to say, "That's not right" because of my career and the structure of my career. Footballers have a lot of things that make them feel restricted in terms of being their true self. Ian, Raheem and Marcus stand for something. Big up all of them.

What are they called? The cockney Reds. I am a red cockney. Rio was my favorite player. If I were good at football, I would be like Rio. I have the physical strength and height. My nephew is a fan of Man City and I said I would like to get a piece of that.

You had the privilege of going to Old Trafford - were you a bit starstruck the last time you went?

I was in awe of the stars.

It surprises people to see that Stormzy gets starstruck...

I get starstruck quite a bit. I have a folder in my phone called "Fan Boy Mike". It's got 70 pictures of me when I sawSergio, and he crushed my heart when he scored against Queens to win the title in 2012 I told him I hated him but I loved him. Let me take a photo. Whenever I see anyone that I've grown up watching on tele or who has inspired me or who I respect or who I admire, I want to take a selfies. I was flustered when I saw that on Sky Sports. It was not well.

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Does doing stuff like that make you feel a bit normal? Because you're a massive star in what you do...

It is normal until that happens. We went to the side of the pitch with adidas and were taken down there. There are a few people there and you can take a picture. The person from Sky Sports came over and asked Stormzy if he wanted to go on there. I wasn't sure what to think. And they said yes. My nephew said, "Go, go". They were like, 'Stormzy, go on mad sweating.' Do you agree? I'm just looking around and I think it's crazy. Until that point, it was normal.

Which track would you choose for the team to walk out to?

That is a great question. It would be called 'Clash' and it would feature myself and Dave. That's similar to, 'We're going to make something up'.

What's your all-star football five-a-side team?

It's difficult. I will be cooking for this. Peter is my goalie. My defender is going to Rio. My GOAT is that one. I'm a big fan of Rio. Lionel Messi, R9Ronaldo, and CR7 are up top. It's all done.

And your music all-star football five-a-side team?

There is a person named Dave. I'm pretty sure Dave is a good football player. I know I'm a good goalie. I'm a goalkeeper by choice, not because I was rubbish, but because I was told I had to go in goal. I am a goalkeeper who I wanted to be. Put Dave somewhere. Avelino is not bad. Apparently, Wretch 32 is a good one. I have never watched him play. I have never seen Wretch play but he is supposed to be cold. Is anyone better at football?

AJ Tracey?

I don't think he's cold. I'm not sure if my brother is cold like that. My brother. I'm not sure if he's that good. He scores goals that he can't believe he did. Chunkz, Dave, Avelino and Wretch are my friends. Avelino is no longer alive. He has a nice touch and has a bit of flare to him. They have me in goal, they should be okay.

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Stormzy was speaking to Sky Sports News after announcing the launch of his collaborative venture with adidas, #Merky FC - a programme committed to enhancing and protecting diverse representation in the football industry.

It's open to everyone. Interested candidates can register their interest at merkyFC.com before the nationwide application process begins tomorrow, November 4.