In collaboration with Manchester United and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, TeamViewer has announced the launch of SheSportTech, an initiative set to inspire more women into the field of sports technology. Despite the industry's growth, women makeup only 28% of the tech workforce in the UK, a proportion that's even lower in the domain of sports tech, the company shared in a statement.
The SheSportTech pathway offers access to unique experiences aimed at helping interested women explore the array of opportunities in the sports tech industry. Five successful applicants to the initiative will be paired with a female sports tech professional who will guide, advise, and support them based on their professional experiences. A 1500 training grant will be provided to each recipient to facilitate their development.
Manchester United's players Mary Earps, Ella Toone, Katie Zelem, Hinata Miyazawa, and Nikita Parris were featured alongside other women professionals working across data analysis, security, CRM and talent management in the club, showcasing the diverse female talent integral to the team's success both on and off the field.
Faith Wheller, VP of Brand, Sports and Integrated Marketing Communications at TeamViewer, highlights the importance of representation in the industry, stating: "At TeamViewer, we believe that technology is made better by a diverse workforce. And we know that representation matters in making women feel that sport tech is a field where they could thrive, which is why our campaign brings all these amazing women and their roles into the spotlight."
SheSportTech is now open for applications and welcomes women to be part of the initiative. Successful applicants will benefit from one-to-one support from established women in sports tech through a buddy scheme. They will discover how technology influences the performance within Manchester United, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and TeamViewer during bespoke events and experiences.
Marilou McFarlane, founder and CEO at Women in Sports Tech (WiST), a key supporter of the initiative, applauds the programme for aligning with WiST’s vision of fostering a more diverse and inclusive sport tech ecosystem. "We are honoured to join forces with TeamViewer on this exciting, educational and engaging initiative," says Marilou. "Together, we look forward to driving positive change and providing valuable and equitable opportunities for networking, learning, and professional growth."
This initiative will consider applicants based on their reason for seeking a career transition into Sports Tech, potential opportunities they aim to pursue utilising the funds, and the quality of their written proposal. Applications close on Sunday 30th June at 12.00 AM GMT.