August 2016

The EFL have introduced a ground breaking recruitment process

This is the most important football season for black people in the game – present and future – but very few may realise it.

This season the English Football League (EFL) have introduced groundbreaking measures to address the exclusion and under representation of BAME coaches at the elite level of the game. An equivalent of the NFL’s Rooney Rule has been put in place over a three year trial period – where at least one BAME person must be interviewed as part of recruitment processes at EFL clubs.

The introduction of the new measures is a bold step and means every single EFL club must adopt a Rooney Rule system for any coaching vacancy at academy level. While at first team level ten EFL clubs will pilot the same system.

The latest report by the Sports People’s Think Tank, of which I’m a founding member, outlined that there were just 23 BAME coaches across the 552 senior coaching positions in professional football in 2015. So there is a desperate need for the positive action put in place.

But it would be wrong to sit back and think this will solve the problem. It will only work if the football industry is committed to wanting it to succeed, and if black communities and BAME people trust it will be delivered properly and give it a chance.

My concern is that given the initial huge opposition to a Rooney Rule being brought into the game, that many influential figures will sit back and hope it falls short. Those opposed to it had no alternative solution, instead insisting that given time things would get better. Which essentially means they had no ideas, and didn’t see the need for urgency.

So it is vital that BAME candidates with qualifications – of which there are many – put themselves forward for roles and test the system. And where there are BAME people with aspirations of coaching at the elite level – they must get qualified.

If the EFL’s ground breaking move is a success, the football industry will have gained better coaches and – after decades of exclusion in coaching – we will begin to see a more level playing field in this area.

We cannot sit back and let others dictate how this important trial goes. This impacts not just on us now, but generations long after we are gone.

*This column first appeared in The Voice Newspaper

Many of you may know that alongside my broadcasting work and production company, Refresh Films, I also have a sports consultancy. I’m keen to get more people involved in this area so I am advertising for an intern.

Don’t worry… it’s not one of those tea making roles. The internship is for motivated, confident and creative candidates who have a keen ambition to work in the sports industry. I know how hard it is to get a foot in the door… join my team to help get ahead of the pack!

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Intern
Organisation: Leon Mann Limited
Location: Chancery Lane, London
Salary: Expenses
Hours: Part time – 16 hours a week (2 days a week)
Deadline: 12/08/2016 by 5pm – interviews will commence the week beginning 22nd August

About the Role:

Leon Mann Limited are taking on an Intern to support the team. The ideal candidate will be interested in sports, media and marketing and be very creative and possess a multi-media skills base.

The role will provide the Senior Management Team and all employees with administrative, communications & events support across a range of areas within a growing and vibrant Sports Management Consultancy.
You will receive training in media, marketing and events, while working across some of the biggest sports people in the UK.

The post holder will be required to work with the senior team to look after sportspeople, host events and help with administrative tasks. The role is a creative position where we expect you to have experience in InDesign, Photoshop and have a creative mind.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Managing day to day communication outputs; obtaining regular information from different projects; keeping an eye on relevant industry happenings or client activities.
• Providing support to the Senior Management Team, including travel planning / booking, meeting arrangements and general office management.
• Support all staff in general administrative duties.
• Keep abreast of programme developments from across our network, including relevant industry happenings & clients activities.
• Help to forge links with other likeminded organisations and people via social media.
• Support with making promotional videos and other multimedia.
• Support the team with events including the managing of guest lists, sourcing and securing venues and on the day support.
• Generating content from events including video, photographic and interviews.

Person Specification:

• Working knowledge of a variety of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn
• Fluent English skills and strong written communication skills
• An interest in sport, journalism or PR
• A supportive team player with a positive can-do attitude
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workloads
• Willingness to work out of office hours representing Leon Mann Limited externally
• Of a personable, positive and outgoing disposition whilst maintaining a professional approach

How to apply:
Please send us your CV and a covering letter (200 words), audio or video file to mie@leonmann.co.uk