Stormzy heads programme to 'affect change' and address 'lack of diversity off the football pitch'

Stormzy wants to affect change by addressing the lack of diversity in football.

Almost half of the players in the English Football League are black, but only a small percentage of the managers are.

People who identify as black or mixed black are more likely to hold senior roles in football.

Stormzy said they hope to inspire change.

According to the research commissioned by Adidas with Fare Network, 42% of black women don't think they'll get a role in football because of their gender, even though they want one.

A careers programme called Merky FC will be created by Stormzy and Adidas along with 11 other partners.

The doors are not open for black managers in the UK according to Patrick Vieira.

Stormzy supports racial equality in the UK.

Over the course of 10 years, he pledged to give £10m to UK organizations, charities and movements.

Analysis

Nesta McGregor is a sports reporter for the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Stormzy's career has been closely followed by those who have followed it. The rapper has used his music and profile to try to influence changes in society, whether that be calling out politicians or campaigning for families that the rapper feels have been let down by the judicial system

Stormzy's wealth has been used to support his words.

He started his own publishing company because he felt black authors weren't getting the same opportunities as their white counterparts.

He started a scholarship scheme when he realized there wasn't a lot of black students at elite universities.

He made it his goal to change that after a report suggested black people are disproportionately represented in several areas of sport.

He has brands on board that show his pulling power but also how serious he is about this. He's built a company from the ground up and his reputation is at stake.

Stormzy believes in the saying "if you can see it, you can be it" Representation is the most important thing.

A career as a professional footballer is a possibility for young black children.

What about the kids who want to be agents, directors, scouts, commentators, brand managers? Stormzy hopes that by creating this programme more black faces will be seen.

Someone has to be the first one to be a role model.

It's likely to take a long time to judge how successful the initiative has been because of the daunting task he has committed to.