Transforming the future of sports leadership
At a time when sport is under increasing pressure to modernise, address skills gaps and better reflect the communities it serves, this partnership focuses on a simple idea: if we want change, we need to invest in who gets to lead.
The scholarship will support a cohort of emerging leaders to study Loughborough’s MSc Strategic Leadership, helping to remove the financial and educational barriers that have historically limited progression for underrepresented groups.
Reema Samuel‑Lewis, Sky’s Group Head of Diversity and Inclusion Partnerships, explains:
“Leadership in sport still doesn’t reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, and we really want to change that. This programme gives us a tangible way to invest in people who are already stepping into leadership roles and to influence the future shape of leadership in the sector.”
A different approach to investment
While Sky has previously supported leadership development in sport through apprenticeship levy transfers, this programme goes further. Rather than a traditional scholarship model, it is built on shared commitment across the sector, with employers co‑investing in their people alongside Sky.
The initiative aligns closely with Sky’s broader mission to drive fairness, equality, inclusion and opportunity within its own business and across industries. Past commitments include partnerships tackling issues such as school exclusions and projects driven by an ambition for societal change rather than commercial return.
Sky will co-fund up to 12 places for eligible candidates starting the programme in October 2026, through a model that sees both Sky and employers investing in leadership development. This approach is designed not only to support individuals, but to drive long-term impact by encouraging shared responsibility across the sector for developing diverse leadership talent.
Reema adds:
“If we’re serious about changing leadership in sport, small, one‑off interventions aren’t enough. Investing at this level allows us to support a full cohort of leaders who can influence organisations, not just participate in them.”
Why Loughborough Business School?
The partnership with Loughborough Business School is rooted in a shared ambition to strengthen leadership across sport through inclusive, future‑focused development. The MSc Strategic Leadership programme brings together participants from professional sport, governing bodies and community organisations, creating a rich, peer‑driven learning environment grounded in real‑world challenges.
“This programme isn’t just about theory,” says Reema. “It’s designed to develop practical leadership skills for people working in complex sporting environments. That blend of academic rigour and real‑world application is what makes this partnership so powerful.”
Creating opportunity, not just talent
This initiative reflects Sky’s focus on long‑term societal impact rather than short‑term return.
“The talent is out there. The opportunity isn’t,” Reema says. “Programmes like this help level the playing field and create genuine pathways into senior decision‑making roles.”
Dr Kate Broadhurst, Programme Lead for the MSc Strategic Leadership added: “Through these scholarships, Sky and Loughborough Business School are investing in the people (and the organisations) who will shape the future of sport. It’s a privilege to be part of a collaboration that is opening doors, raising ambition and supporting leaders to influence the sector in new and impactful ways.”
Next steps
The scholarship is expected to attract significant interest, and we strongly encourage prospective applicants to apply early. Full details (including eligibility criteria, application deadlines and how to apply) are available upon request.