Manchester United Launches Creators’ Academy to Empower Young Talent

Building a Pathway for Aspiring Creators
Manchester United has launched its Creators’ Academy, a program designed to help young people, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, develop skills and gain experience in the competitive sports and media industries. The academy builds on 18 months of work with over 50 creators and offers participants hands-on learning opportunities.

Diverse Creative Opportunities
The Creators’ Academy welcomes a wide range of talents, from photographers and videographers to graffiti artists, magicians, and even drone pilots. This broad definition of “creators” ensures the program is inclusive, providing opportunities for diverse perspectives to flourish.

Chief Content Officer Ian Nolan highlighted the innovative approach:
“By giving creators freedom and minimal restrictions, we’ve unlocked ideas we never imagined. This isn’t just about content creation—it’s about community impact and finding new ways to tell our story.”

Comprehensive Curriculum
Starting in the 2024/25 season, participants will engage with a curriculum that combines theory and practical experiences. Creators will learn directly from club personnel, attend seminars, and participate in online lessons. They’ll also shadow professionals during matches, training sessions, and events to understand how creative media drives sports business.

Creative Challenges
The academy emphasizes innovation through “pitch battles.” Participants created unique content for a kit launch within five hours in one challenge. The results showcased the creators’ talent, with winners earning a spot in the academy’s “Hall of Fame” and mentoring roles for future cohorts.

Supporting the Women’s Game
The program also helps to grow the women’s game. Creators have been invited to WSL matches at Old Trafford and Leigh Sports Village, where they’ve reimagined pre-match content. Players, fans, and influencers engaged in unique interactions, creating memorable experiences.

Community Impact
Partnering with the Manchester United Foundation, the academy targets socially deprived areas in Manchester. It offers participants vital skills like networking, CV building, and entrepreneurship. By combining education with practical experience, the academy prepares young people for success in a competitive job market.

Applications Open
Applications for the 2024/25 Creators’ Academy are now open. Aspiring creators can submit their work and a brief statement explaining their interest to [email protected].

With the Creators’ Academy, Manchester United continues to innovate in sports media, empowering young talent and fostering community connections.