Zak -

Developed by sportscotland, in partnership with Enable Works, is a pioneering Modern Apprenticeship programme which aims to increase disability inclusion within the workplace. The programme breaks down barriers to employment and in this case, to the sporting world.    

Zak is one of a number of apprentices of this innovative programme which combines qualifications and paid work experience with each job lasting 18 months. Designed to benefit both apprentices and employers, the programme comprises support and training to help young people integrate into the workforce.  

We caught up with Zak, a graduate of Enable’s flagship Breaking Barriers programme, now a full-time Modern Apprentice who joined The Scottish FA. In his role, Zak is an inclusion administrator where he works with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager and the team to implement The Scottish FA’s strategy - that football is for all. 

Having completed the Breaking Barriers Programme and an SCQF Level 6 Certificate in Applied Business Skills, Zak is using his administration skills and his love of excel to ensure that Scottish football clubs comply with their responsibilities. 

“I do work involving equality, diversity and inclusion such as club licensing. I like to do this because I can contact clubs within The Scottish FA. I contact to tell them if they are compliant or not, at a certain level on the club licensing handbook, “says Zak.  

“The reason The Scottish FA does work involving equality, diversity and inclusion is to ensure that all feel welcome and can feel respected without any discrimination. In my job I have developed skills such as confidence, communication and problem solving.”  

He is supported in his day-to-day workings by Robin Drummond, The Scottish FA, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager.  

He said: “For The Scottish FA, inclusion is a huge part of who we are and what we do. Our strategy is that football is for all. Whenever we are designing any piece of work, any activity that we want to deliver, we want to design equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of it.” 

Zak’s progress is reflective of the collaboration that has been developed by sportscotland, Enable Works and Zak’s employer, The Scottish FA. The need for the Supported Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme in the sports sector is underscored by significant gaps in disability inclusion and representation. Disabled people are severely underrepresented within sporting organisations, with statistics showing that only a small percentage of the workforce across the UK sports sector includes disabled individuals.  

Briony Williamson, Enable Works, Head of Operations, said: “It’s really important that the world of sport brings opportunities for young people with disabilities. It’s more than just playing a game. It’s a place where people build friendships, gain valuable skills for life, teamworking skills, and these can be important transferrable skills. Participation in sport can be transformative. It’s more about participation, it’s about representation.”