The landscape of women’s football is undergoing a transformative phase, witnessing unprecedented growth in popularity. This surge can be attributed to several factors, including record-breaking viewership numbers during the Women’s World Cup and sold-out stadiums across the globe. A new wave of young fans is embracing the sport passionately. In the United Kingdom, for instance, more women and girls are actively participating in football than ever before, and viewership for the UK Women’s Super League has more than tripled since its broadcast moved to YouTube. Despite these encouraging developments, the increase in popularity on the field has not been mirrored off the pitch, particularly within sports media. A study recently highlighted that while almost half of the young women in the UK who are passionate about sports are interested in pursuing careers in sports media, a significant 55% are not confident enough to enter the field due to perceived barriers.
Recognizing this gap, Google has taken a proactive stance. The company believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire change and drive progress. Following the successful launch of Pixel FC, a collective of football creators, at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Google is thrilled to announce the establishment of Pixel FC Academy. This pioneering initiative is a collaboration between Google Pixel, The Powerhouse Project, and notable partners like Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, and The Football Association (FA).
The Pixel FC Academy represents a monumental stride in Google’s continuous effort to support women in football, both on and off the field. Through this program, Google aims to support the next generation of talent in sports media by dismantling existing barriers. The academy is designed to equip women’s football content creators with essential tools, training, and connections, enabling them to elevate their craft and bring the excitement of the game to audiences worldwide.
The Pixel FC Academy Experience
The Pixel FC Academy offers a detailed and enriching five-month program that includes:
- Expert-led Workshops with Leading Broadcasters: Participants will have access to workshops across various disciplines, such as broadcast punditry, production, written press, and social media content creation. These sessions will be conducted in collaboration with industry leaders like YouTube, 90Min, and ITV, providing participants with valuable insights and skills.
- Cutting-edge AI Tools: Academy members will receive training on how to utilize Google’s AI technology available on Pixel devices, including Gemini. These tools will enable them to enhance their content creation processes, brainstorm innovative ideas, analyze player performance, and review match footage to identify key moments. This approach unlocks a new level of storytelling potential and inspires the next generation of fans.
- Unparalleled Access and Opportunities: Members of the Pixel FC Academy will enjoy unique opportunities to work alongside top professionals. They will have the chance to film with the senior women’s teams of Arsenal and Liverpool FC, access training grounds at St George’s Park, and even cover a live Women’s Super League match from pitchside.
- Mentorship and Career Support: Graduates of the academy will be paired with industry mentors and will have access to potential work experience or paid internships with prestigious organizations, including some of the academy’s supporting partners.
Closing the Visibility Gap, One Story at a Time
The excitement surrounding the Pixel FC Academy lies in the potential impact this new generation of content creators will have on the future of football coverage. The academy embodies Google’s commitment to empowering women in sports and fostering a more inclusive and representative media landscape. This initiative is poised to close the visibility gap in sports media, one story at a time.
For those interested in joining the Pixel FC Academy, applications can be submitted here. To stay updated on the academy’s progress, follow @GooglePixelUK.
This initiative is not just about nurturing individual talent; it is about reshaping the entire narrative surrounding women’s sports. By providing aspiring sports media professionals with the necessary tools and support, the academy is setting the stage for a future where women’s football receives the recognition and coverage it truly deserves. Through innovative storytelling and cutting-edge technology, the Pixel FC Academy is paving the way for a more equitable and dynamic sports media landscape.
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