New programme to encourage BAME young people in South West into horseracing
It will run over October half-term online to coincide with Black History Month.
Last updated 19th Oct 2020
Young people in the South West who're from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background are being encouraged to find a career in horseracing.
There's an obvious and significant under-representation from these communities - and the British Horseracing Authority is hoping to tackle the issue.
It's launching its "Step On Track" programme which hopes to engage young people from ethnic minorities with Britain’s second largest spectator sport - as well as showcasing the varied and exciting career opportunities that it can provide.
The programme will take place during Black History Month in the October half term (26 – 30 October) and will include daily events including talks from inspirational racing figures, activities and the opportunity to go racing as a group at an appropriate point in the future.
Candidates completing the course will receive ongoing mentoring and guidance, as well as assistance in finding work experience placements within the industry.
The scheme will initially be open for between six to twelve people as part of a pilot, but with ambitions to increase participation in future schemes.
The Salisbury area has strong links with the horseracing industry - with meetings at Salisbury Racecourse and a number of studs on Salisbury Plain.
Zoe Elliott, Head of Careers Marketing and Recruitment at the BHA said:
"The proportion of BAME representation is an area which many sports are considering at present whether that be at participant, executive or leadership level.
"Racing is committed to striving to be a diverse and fully inclusive industry, but many are aware that young people from ethnic minorities may not have easily available access to learn about the sport of horseracing.
"We hope that Step On Track will be a positive initial step to showcase racing both as a sport and as an industry to young people who may not have encountered it before, with the longer term aim of growing the scheme to become a permanent part of our wider programme of existing careers marketing activity."