Kick It Out has announced that ‘The Next 25’ scholarship fund, launched in partnership with the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) earlier this year, is expanding to the higher education institution’s London campus. ‘The Next 25’ fund, named in recognition of Kick It Out’s 25th anniversary, will give 25 recipients full tuition fee scholarships – worth up to £54,000 – on an undergraduate or postgraduate university degree, and is now also available for students wishing to study at UCFB Wembley in London, with the iconic Wembley Stadium at its heart.

This scholarship will offer students a once in a lifetime opportunity to earn a world-class degree at UCFB as well as act as an official ambassador for Kick It Out across UCFB and the wider football industry. Each Kick It Out scholar will also become a peer educator on behalf of Kick It Out. In addition, students will take part in Kick It Out’s annual research project, leading on and delivering a research project in the area of diversity and inclusivity in football, with the assistance and guidance of Kick It Out and UCFB.

Kick It Out and UCFB are looking to identify the future leaders of tomorrow from a diverse range of backgrounds and walks of life, so applicants should be able to demonstrate an understanding and passion for diversity and inclusivity. Recipients will then use their skills and knowledge post-graduation to make a positive impact in the football industry.

As Kick It Out prepare to celebrate their 25th anniversary, their attention is once again on the future of the sport - seeking to develop and encourage a generation of future leaders from diverse backgrounds and who can demonstrate their commitment to diversity, inclusion and fairness.

Sharona Friedman, UCFB’s Chief Marketing Officer, said: “UCFB is committed to inclusion and diversity within the football industry at all levels, so we’re delighted to be able to partner with Kick It Out to offer this incredible scholarship opportunity. The recipients of this award will not only receive a first-class education to begin their career in the football industry, but the opportunity to represent Kick It Out and UCFB around the country is truly a one off experience that shouldn’t be missed.”

Roisin Wood, Chief Executive at Kick It Out, added: “Kick It Out and UCFB are dedicated to educating the leaders of tomorrow in the importance of diversity and a level playing field at all levels and in all sectors of the game. This unique scholarship, which covers 100 per cent of tuition fees, is the perfect way to promote inclusion and help spread the word on diversity in football.”

For more information about The Next 25 scholarship, visit www.ucfb.com/kio.