Over the past few years, we've all seen efforts by many organizations to be more inclusive and improve in ensuring that there's more diversity among their employees to accurately reflect society as a whole.
Football is no exception, and while the industry have some ways to go, especially at the executive level, there have been quite a few positive moves in the right direction in some areas to signal that a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion is at the forefront of those organization's minds.
An example of this is England's Football Association, commonly known as the FA. In November, the organization saw the resignation of chairman Greg Clarke following some statements the 63-year-old made while attending a Digital, Cultural, Media, and Sport (DCMS) committee meeting.
Clarke reportedly made awkward and insensitive comments towards minorities, women, as well as homosexuals, including apparently stating that "being gay was a life choice" and "the lack of female goalkeepers was because many girls are afraid of the ball being kicked at them".
Naturally, given that this is the 21st century, Clarke's comments were quite embarrassing for the FA, especially as the organization has pledged publicly to stamp out racism and other forms of bigotry. As such, they've made it their mission to really shake things up at the top. Over the past few months, a seven person committee made up of a diverse group of individuals has been tasked with the responsibility of finding the next leader of the 150-plus year old organization.
Over 100 people reportedly applied for the position, with the group now narrowed down to about five or six contenders as of this month. And the front runner is none other than Debbie Hewitt, who's the former CEO of The RAC, an automotive services company.
Should Ms. Hewitt receive the nod, she'll become the first chairwoman of the organization in its 157-year history.
Debbie Hewitt could see her name written into the history books should she, as many anticipate, be appointed as the FA's first ever chairwoman
In addition to Hewitt, sources claim that the FA seriously considered another woman: Heather Rabbatts. Ms. Rabbatts herself is now a part of FA organizational history as she became not only the first female board member but also the first Black one as well when she was appointed to her post in 2011 and subsequently served for six years.
