We've launched a new partnership with PGMOL
We are delighted to announce a new partnership with PGMOL, which will see PGMOL staff and match officials granted access to educational sessions across the year via our online platform, The Academy.
Allyship, LGBTQ+, racism, antisemitism, misogyny and sexism are just some of the modules which the officials and staff will complete.
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.
Women’s Super League referee Stacey Pearson and Premier League official Jarred Gillett have already undertaken the Allyship module, which has been launched today.
On completing the course, Gillett said:
“EDI education is important to everyone, in every walk of life. As match officials, we are responsible for refereeing a football game and upholding the laws of the game.
“Part of our role is to effectively manage and then report incidents that involve discrimination.
“To deal with these situations effectively, we need an awareness of the issues faced by the people or groups involved, and to know how to act and what actions to take when supporting people affected by discriminatory behaviour.
“This course provided me with a framework and greater understanding of my existing thoughts on allyship.
“I have learned that being an ally is not about speaking for other people - it's about making sure that they have a voice and that they are listened to.”
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.”
The announcement of this partnership follows Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb and Chief Operating Officer Danielle Every speaking at the Kick It Out and BAM Ref Conference at Wembley in July.
The Academy is Kick It Out’s Digital Learning Platform offering educational content for people across football related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
The platform hosts free of charge EDI learning resources designed to connect coaches, clubs, players and fans with training materials and expertise. Visit The Academy here: https://theacademy.kickitout.org/
