Industry Shorts: Rashford, Leeds & British Cycling
Manchester United and England star Marcus Rashford has been recognised for his successful campaign to extend free school meals with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
The 22 year-old forced a Government u-turn on the issue and is now focussed on extending the scheme indefinitely. Joe Wicks – the nation’s PE teacher – was also awarded with a CBE, while 14% of those recognised were health and social care workers.
Premier League new boys Leeds United have signed an content deal with EA Sports, as its latest edition of flagship title FIFA, FIFA21, is released.
The partnership will see the two collaborate on what they describe as ‘fan forward’ content designed at bringing EA Sports closer to Leeds’ fan base.
British Cycling has revealed its first ever policy on the participation of transgender or non-binary individuals in cycling.
The framework provides guidelines for both professional and recreational cycling, and is aimed at ensuring that all individuals feel welcome within the sport.
According to the policy, any transgender or non-binary individual looking to compete in a men’s race will not need any medical evidence, however competing in a women’s race will require proof that total testosterone levels have been kept below 5 nmol/L for at least 12 months prior.
It comes on the same day as World Rugby announced its own new transgender guidelines.
Extreme E has been awarded FIA International Series status, the highest standard that the global motorsport body can set.
The electric off-roading race, which will debut in 2021, will now benefit from FIA andn Auto Club de Monaco knowledge-sharing, and will sit within the FIA’s official race calendar.
Rugby League legend Robbie Hunter-Paul has been named the first Mental Fitness Ambassador for the Rugby League World Cup 2021, set to kick off across England next year.
Hunter-Paul will be involved with widening the impact and awareness of RLWC2021’s mental fitness charter as well as using his own experiences in the professional game to help others – in a ‘first-of-it’s-kind’ role.
After broadcaster ITV dropped him as their main commentator over summer – much to the annoyance of England fans – Clive Tyldesely marked a triumphant return to National Team duty thanks to a new Budweiser campaign.
The Official Beer of the England’s Senior Men’s Team, Budweiser created a watch along broadcast for the England v Belgium UEFA Nations League fixture on the Bud Light Twitter account, with Tyldesley commentating throughout. The #WatchWithClive also included a Q&A, while England won 2-1.
South African Rugby World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi has signed a new, five-year deal with lifestyle brand Freedom of Movement, for a socially-driven collaboration brokered by Roc Nation Sports.
The FOMxKolisi products will see all proceeds donated to the development of new sports fields in the Western Cape of South Africa.
