Doing Diversity – the lived experience of EDI managers in professional football
Authors: Gilani, P., Parry, K., Taylor, D., Kavanagh, E. and Sheppard-Marks, L.
Conference: The International Congress on Safe Sport Research
Dates: 18-20 June 2025
Abstract:In 2021 the Premier League launched the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS), which provides a framework for clubs to drive changes in EDI. Similarly in 2024 the Football Association (FA) launched its new “A game free from discrimination” EDI strategy. Clubs are now developing this aspect of their work across all areas for their organisations to create safe and welcoming spaces. This important work has implications for players, fans, club employees and the wider community. Whilst in multiple spheres there has been a new-found resistance to EDI, the FA reports that there has been a 47% rise in racist abuse across all levels and a 44% rise in reports of sexism and misogyny. There is currently a lack of research that explores the impact of EDI leadership on enhancing both the physical and psychological safety of professional football clubs’ multiple stakeholders. This paper draws upon data collected through in-depth interviews with current and former EDI leaders / managers in professional football in England and Wales to understand their lived experiences of enacting these multifaceted roles including the influence of organisational structure / culture and external influences on making football a safer space for everyone. Findings show that a range of activities are taking place within football, across areas such as race, sexuality, and gender. In many instances, participants were drawn to this area of work due to prior lived experiences. However, there were also perceived and actual barriers to work in this area.
Source: Manual