Shorts: Stormzy, Harlequins, Table Tennis England

Adidas and Stormzy have launched year-round platform for #Merky FC

Now in its third year, #Merky FC has evolved from an annual application opportunity into a year-round platform designed to connect young people of UK Black Heritage with employment opportunities, career advice, and networking resources in the football industry.

This next chapter also introduces in-person sessions at #Merky FC HQ, a community hub in Croydon dedicated to fostering career development.

Since its inception in 2022, #Merky FC has achieved significant success, including a 273% increase in applications, with one applicant for every four football industry jobs available through the initiative. Collaborating with 25 leading organisations in the football sector, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Sky Sports, and LADbible, #Merky FC has added 63 new roles for young people of UK Black Heritage, with 39 positions retained for extended periods.

Building on this momentum, Adidas and Stormzy have opened #Merky FC HQ earlier this year. This community space in Croydon has welcomed thousands of young people, hosting events and educational activities aimed at providing access to training and professional development.

Steve Marks, Senior Director Brand Communications, Adidas said, “The first two years have created a solid platform, and it is the right time to shift the programme to a year-round platform.  The fact a high percentage of the recruits are being retained beyond their initial year placement is a testament to the concept and one that we are extremely proud of.” 

Harlequins have renewed their partnership with MyoMaster to enhance player recovery and performance for both the men’s and women’s sides.

According to the club, MyoMaster’s recovery products have been essential in helping players effectively manage their physical demands. These tools will continue to support Quins during training sessions, at home, and pitch-side on match days, aiding in preparation, injury prevention, and recovery between games.

Brian O’Leary, Harlequins Head of Medical Services, said,“The use of their products aids the efficiency and effectiveness of athlete recovery, ensuring our players are ready to perform at an elite level every time they step out onto the pitch.”

The ECB has revealed the schedule for the 2025 Vitality Blast season.

Next year marks the first time that the women’s and men’s T20 county teams will have united in a fully integrated competition.

For the first time, every first-class county will have hosted at least one double-header, showcasing both women’s and men’s teams at the same venue.

In response to player welfare consultations, the men’s competition has seen an increased number of midweek games and fewer back-to-back fixtures, ensuring a balance between high-performance cricket and player health.

This evolution of the Vitality Blast reflects the continued investment in women’s cricket, supported by Vitality and the ECB, through £8 million in new annual funding that has driven the professional women’s game forward.

By 2029, this investment is projected to increase the number of professional female players by 80%, inspiring more women and girls to engage with cricket.

Neil Snowball, ECB Managing Director of Competitions and Major Events, said,“The Vitality Blast is going to be bigger and better next season with the introduction of two women’s competitions.

“It  will be played at least 25 venues across England and Wales next season which will give more people even more opportunity to watch high-quality men’s and women’s T20 county cricket.”

Sheffield Hallam University has entered a new partnership with Table Tennis England (TTE)

This collaboration follows TTE’s decision to relocate their national elite training centre back to Sheffield.

The partnership builds on a decade-long relationship that began when the sport was previously based in Sheffield. It encompasses a range of initiatives, consultancy, research, and innovation, as well as placements and development opportunities for Sheffield Hallam students.

Dave Hembrough, Senior Researcher at Sheffield will lead the partnership. Hembrough has a strong track record with Table Tennis England, including contributing to their success at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where the team won five medals.

“This is a great rekindling of a successful relationship between the University and Table Tennis England that will lift performance levels to new hights, support the sport to develop their performance standards and capabilities and provide opportunities for students studying at Sheffield Hallam.” Remarked Hembrough, reflecting on the partnership.

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