GILLETTE GREAT STARTS INITIATIVE AIMS TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE TAKE THEIR FIRST STEPS TOWARDS A CAREER IN SPORT

In partnership with Sky, Sports Coach UK and Football Beyond Borders, Gillette Great Starts returns with the aim to help young people through transitional moments, giving unique employment opportunities in Broadcast Media, Coaching and Sports Marketing

Gillette, the world’s leading male grooming brand, has announced the return of its Gillette Great Starts initiative with the aim of helping young people through one of the toughest transitional moments in their lives – employment.

With a career in sport the dream for many young people, Gillette Great Starts uses sport as a platform to engage and excite young people in the UK. Its aim is to equip them with the experience and qualifications to take their first steps towards a career in the industry and think about opportunities that might exist beyond becoming a professional sportsperson.

Gillette Great Starts will work with partners Sky, Sports Coach UK and Hill+Knowlton Strategies to educate young people about the different employment opportunities that exist in the sports industry. From learning about the production that goes into creating a show for Sky Sports, to getting the best out of your team through coaching, or understanding how to develop sports marketing campaigns, Gillette Great Starts is aimed at providing sessions that nurture and develop the interests and skills of young people that so often face difficult challenges when gaining employment.  

In partnership with London-based football charity, Football Beyond Borders, Gillette hosted a launch event at Croydon Powerleague yesterday, consisting of a 5-a-side tournament and educational workshops delivered by representatives from Gillette Soccer Saturday, Sports Coach UK and Hill+Knowlton Strategies.

Andras Papp, Gillette & Venus Brand Communication EIMEA, said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring Gillette Great Starts back for the next generation of young people and help them through one of the toughest transitions they currently face. We understand that a career in sport is an ambition for so many, but often the lack of opportunities means they can’t turn those dreams into reality. We’re hoping to inspire young people to show what they can do in sports, and through Gillette Great Starts, give them the chance to take their first steps towards a career in the industry.”

From September this year, Gillette and its partners have been encouraging eligible individuals to apply for the initiative. Available to applicants are three one-month internships at Gillette Soccer Saturday, the funding of 10 FA Level One and FA Level Two coaching badges and one three-month internship at Hill+Knowlton Strategies in the Sports & Partnership Marketing team.

Ian Condon, Producer of Gillette Soccer Saturday, said: ““Gillette has had a long relationship working with Sky and Gillette Soccer Saturday and as Producer of the show, we’re hugely proud to be involved in Gillette Great Starts in 2016. We want to help the best young talent find their way in sports broadcasting, whether it be working behind or in front of the camera. Being able to share our knowledge and expertise with passionate young people who want to get involved in the sports industry and provide the opportunities for them to do so is fantastic.”

Mark Gannon, CEO of Sports Coach UK, said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Gillette to encourage more people to become coaches through the Gillette Great Starts programme. We know exactly how important good coaches are to ensuring that sport is fun, social and rewarding. We also know that becoming a coach is rewarding in itself, with benefits for the individual and the community they’re from. We hope everyone enjoyed the day and will be inspired to develop their chosen path in the sport.”

Gillette Great Starts first launched in 2012, with the main focus being the pivotal role coaches play in professional sports and inspiring coaches to get involved. The latest iteration of the programme brings broader employment opportunities within the sports industry to young people.

Find out more about the opportunity HERE.