FURD
Sheffield United, the first club in the world to carry the “United” moniker, have appointed Jason Rockett as their new Chief Executive.
Pioneer
The 36 year-old Rockett is one of a select few black individuals who have made it into the controlling structures of the game. Whilst black players have made excellent progress on the pitch in recent years, few have made it into management or the boardroom, prompting fears that the game operates a “glass ceiling”.
Rockett is no stranger to football. Whilst at university he represented Great Britain in the World Student Games, before progressing on to a career with Rotherham United. He then made 196 appearances and 13 goals for Scarborough FC – becoming their player of the year in the 1997-98 season.
It was during his spell with Scarborough, that Jason developed his business skills which would later lead to his full time commercial property career. Rockett joins the Sheffield United Group with the goal of driving its leisure, property and services businesses.
Partnership
Sheffield United FC work very closely with Football Unites to rid racism from their Bramall Lane ground. Every year with Football Unites, they host a Community Day that is extremely popular with the diverse local population. They also take part in annual Action Weeks against Racism, reaffirming their stance. Football Unites provide coaching to groups of ethnically diverse youngsters, with the most talented feeding into United’s Academy system.