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.
In 2024, the fifth year of the programme, the Diversity in Sports programme will welcome its 100th mentee into the cohort.
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
WHO CAN APPLY?
The Diversity in Sports programme is open for applications from anyone who has faced barriers breaking into the sports industry. This includes, but is not limited to – your sexuality, race, age, religion, disability or gender – through to individual challenges such as socio-economic, geographical, health, or family situation.
As the 2024 programme will be event based, we require mentees to be available for the following provisional dates:
- Welcome day(s) – 22nd and 23rd May 2024 (London)
- Personal Project presentations – 27th June 2024 (London)
- RFP Briefing Day – W/c 5th Aug 2024* (Location TBC)
- RFP Pitch Day – 18th Sep 2024 (Location TBA)
- Networking event – W/c 28th Oct* (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.
“A truly inclusive sports industry must reflect and embrace the diversity of its audience.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for 2024 are now closed.
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:
- 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 five exclusive events offering access and experiences with guest speakers and industry experts on 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 group, as well as expanding your own network with tailored industry networking.
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 explain more about themselves, their relevant experience and skills to date, as well as their aspirations, interests and challenges they may have faced so far. Applicants will be asked to submit a video of themselves to help us get to know applicants better. Just be yourself!
Once the applications have been submitted, a first round of calls with some of the applicants will be arranged with a member of the Diversity in Sports team. This is an opportunity for the applicant to add additional detail to their application and story, as well as ask questions they 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
To read about last year’s 2023 cohort, click below