Diversity in Sports

WHAT IS DIVERSITY IN SPORTS?

Founded in 2019, Diversity in Sports is a six-month mentoring programme that accelerates the growth of under-represented talent across the UK industry, powered by Two Circles. 

Now in its fourth year, the programme continues to grow its community through bespoke mentoring, knowledge sharing and one-to-one support to prepare mentees for a career in the sports industry. 

The programme is designed to be supportive but unintrusive, so participants can continue to work or study during the programme. The programme currently offers: 

• Two mentors 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 
• A supportive network of like-minded peers 
• On-site venue days with selected Two Circles clients 
• In person-workshops
• Groups tasks and projects

WHO CAN APPLY?

The programme is open to anyone who has faced barriers preventing them from fulfilling their potential in the sport industry. 

This includes, but is not limited to – your beliefs, sexuality, race, disability or gender – through to individual challenges such as socio-economic, geographical, health, or family situation. 

Last year’s programme included regular sessions with guest speakers and experts, a Welcome Day at Two Circles’ London HQ, a team trip to experience a double-header of The Hundred, a live pitch in front of a panel of experts at Channel 4, and industry speed networking at Lord’s Cricket Ground.  

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for 2023 are now closed, but the programme will return in 2024.

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

FAQs

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

1. Mentoring: Each member of the cohort is provided with two mentors from the Two Circles team, individually paired based on the specific skills and aspirations of that person, and are available to guide, advise and share in whatever way is most helpful for each situation. Mentors are also available to assist their mentee with more granular, specialist skills
2. Regular group sessions: Regular one hour sessions will take place throughout the programme featuring presentations and discussions with guest speakers and industry experts on a variety of different topics, designed to offer the cohort with a far-reaching perspective and knowledge of the sports industry. The programme will also build towards specific activities, such as responding to an RFP as a group and industry networking.

How does the application and selection process work?
The application window is open for four weeks via an online form. The simple application provides applicants with an opportunity to explain a little about themselves, including their relevant experience and skills to date, as well as their aspirations, interests and challenges they may have faced so far. Applicants can also submit a video of themselves answering the same questions, should this be a preference to a written application.

Once the applications have been submitted, a first round of calls with each applicant will be arranged with a member of the Diversity in Sports team. This is an opportunity for the applicant to add some additional detail to their application and their story, as well as ask any questions they may have about the programme. A selection panel will then convene, formed of organisers, mentors and supporters of the Diversity in Sports programme, who will make the final decision on the group for the year.

How much time commitment is required during the programme? 
The programme is designed to be accessible to people with existing jobs and commitments, however, the more of the process you are able to take part in, the more you will benefit from the programme. If you have any concerns about availability or attendance please contact one of the team. 

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