Betfair Launches ‘fairer Game’ Campaign

Online bookmaker Betfair has launched its new campaign, ‘Fairer Game’, which aims to promote better training and opportunities for female coaches in football.

The campaign will see Betfair fund 50 female coaches who will undergo their UEFA B licenses, with the goal of increasing the number of women at the top of the coaching pyramid in England.

Ex-Arsenal and England footballer Rachel Yankey, who holds a UEFA B and is training for her UEFA A licence, has partnered with Betfair to front the campaign and highlight the importance of providing the right support and opportunities for female coaches. Rachel will provide advice and support to the selected coaches throughout the initiative.

The ‘Fairer Game’ campaign has also partnered with Women in Football, a network of professional women working in and around the football, who champion female participation and achievement within the football community. Women in Football is helping to support the promotion of the initiative as well as the current recruitment of the 50 female coaches.

Betfair will provide the £50,000 required to place the 50 coaches on the relevant courses with the campaign running until each coach has completed the course. The online bookmaker will also provide learning opportunities for the coaches through the pre-existing Cash 4 Clubs initiative. The 50 chosen female coaches will be given access to football clubs around the UK to ensure they gain the experience and knowledge needed for the license.

Anyone wishing to apply for the initiative needs to be over 21 years old and currently hold a Level 2 coaching qualification; they should visit: www.fairergame.com.

Rachel Yankey commented: “As a youngster I was determined to follow my ambition and love for football and that determination is what got me to where I am today. Both representation and access for women in football has improved in recent years but it’s still not a level playing field, which is why I’m thrilled to be a part of the Betfair Fairer Game campaign.

“I’m looking forward to helping the selected 50 females follow their passion just like I did. I think this is a really unique and empowering opportunity for them and am excited for what lies on the journey ahead.”

Stephen Mault, head of UK & Ireland marketing for Betfair, said: “Betfair has transformation in its DNA, from pioneering the betting Exchange, creating In-Play betting and products like Cash Out through to its Switching Saddles campaign, taking Victoria Pendleton from Olympic cyclist to competitive jockey at Cheltenham in 2016. Our Fairer Game campaign is about transforming the current landscape for female coaches by highlighting the challenges they often face when undertaking their UEFA licenses, and providing the chance to overcome them.

“The fact that only 29 women currently hold a UEFA A license in England at the moment is testament to the barriers that need to be eradicated to ensure equal opportunities. With the support of Betfair, Rachel Yankey, Women in Football and Cash 4 Clubs we want to give women a greater chance of achieving their ambitions in Football.”