Stormzy and adidas have partnered with brands including Sky Sports, Manchester United, Fulham, and LADBible, to launch Merky FC, an initiative committed to diversifying representation in the football industry.

The careers programme, launching January 2023, will offer opportunities and paid placements to young Black people, in a bid to improve diversity in off-pitch roles, and the Vossi Bop hitmaker commented 'If you can see representation on the pitch with all the players, then it should at least be backed up by people in positions of power, positions of influence outside of being an actual footballer. Hopefully with what we're doing we can drive a change'.