Diversity in Sports

WHAT IS DIVERSITY IN SPORTS?

Diversity in Sports is a six-month mentoring programme that helps accelerate the growth of under-represented talent across the UK industry through bespoke mentoring, training, knowledge sharing and networking, powered by Two Circles.  

2025 marks the sixth year of the programme, and has developed an 100+ alumni network of mentees that have participated in the programme.

The programme features: 

• A one-to-one mentor from the Two Circles team, individually paired to support career aspirations 
• Skills and development training from industry specialists 
• Opportunities to hear and learn from industry speakers 
• Access to an alumni network of peers 
• In person-workshops 
• Groups tasks and projects 

The 2025 programme will be primarily event based, and will require mentees to be available for the following provisional dates: 

• Welcome day(s) – 7th and 8th May 2025 (London)
• Personal Project Presentations/ RFP Briefing Day – 19th June 2025* (London)
• RFP Pitch Day – 4th September 2025* (Manchester)
• Networking event – 22nd Oct 2025* (London)

*Dates are provisional – all changes will be communicated in advance to accommodate travel and work commitments. Travel and accommodation will be provided where required

If, for any reason, you cannot make any of these dates, please let us know in advance on your application. 

HOW TO APPLY 
Applications for 2025 are now OPEN until 5pm on Friday 14th March. Follow the instructions in the application form to apply.

If you have any questions or queries about your application, please contact the team at mentoring@twocircles.com.

FAQs

1. What’s involved?
The programme supports in two ways:

Mentoring: Each member of the cohort is provided with a mentor from the Two Circles team, individually paired to support each individual’s specific skills and aspirations. They are available to listen, guide, advise and share in whatever way is most helpful to you. Mentors can also support with projects, tasks and presentations related to the programme.

Exclusive events: Across the six-month period there will be four exclusive events offering access to training, guest speakers and industry experts covering a variety of different topics, designed to offer perspective and knowledge of the sports industry. The programme will also build towards specific activities, such as responding to a Request For Proposal (RFP) as a team, as well as expanding your own network with tailored industry networking.

If you cannot make all events across the 6-month period, do not worry. However, we highly encourage attendance to receive as much contact time with industry specialists, build relationships with other cohort members, and learn about the industry from our interactive workshops.

 2. How does the application and selection process work?

The application window is open for four weeks via an online form. Each applicant will be given an opportunity to provide some background about yourselves, your relevant experience and skills to date, as well as your aspirations, interests and challenges you may have faced so far.

Once the applications have been submitted, a final round of calls may be requested with a member of the Diversity in Sports team. This is an opportunity for the applicant to add additional detail to your application and story, as well as ask questions you may have about the programme. A selection panel formed of organisers, mentors and supporters of the Diversity in Sports programme will make the final decision on this year’s cohort.

If you have any further questions, contact the team at mentoring@twocircles.com