Between smooth skin and a tradition of successful sponsorship, personal care and safe grooming have propelled global razor brand Gillette into the top flight of sports partnerships. Partnering with Sky, Sports Coach UK, Hill+Knowlton and Football Beyond Borders, a recent campaign aiming to help young people make the tough move into employment uses sports as a springboard to future opportunities.

The initiative, named Gillette Great Starts, originally began in 2014 and focused on aiding aspiring coaches to gain qualifications. The return sees a collective curation of several football focused sessions that aim to raise awareness and engagement into the widespread opportunities that sports can offer. Along with a promotional video to introduce the return of Gillette Great Starts, the organisation worked directly with London-based charity, Football Beyond Borders, to launch the event with an opening 5-a-side tournament at Croydon Powerleague as well as various educational workshops put together by the Gillette Soccer Saturday team.

Ian Condon, producer of Gillette Soccer Saturday, says, “Gillette has had a long relationship working with Sky and Gillette Soccer Saturday and as Producer of the show, we’re hugely proud to be involved in Gillette Great Starts in 2016. We want to help the best young talent find their way in sports broadcasting, whether it be working behind or in front of the camera. Being able to share our knowledge and expertise with passionate young people who want to get involved in the sports industry and provide the opportunities for them to do so is fantastic.”

Since merging with global consumer and goods company, Procter & Gamble in 2005, Gillette has continued to widen its sports focus. Several notable sports figures have promoted Gillette products in recent years, including retired French striker Thierry Henry, global tennis maestro, Roger Federer and golfing hall of famer, Tiger Woods. Yet as the razor specialists seek to also create a lasting impression as tastemakers in the sporting world, the ongoing initiative to support widespread opportunities within football remain top priority.

Andras Papp, Gillette & Venus Brand Communication EIMEA, says, “We’re delighted to be able to bring Gillette Great Starts back for the next generation of young people and help them through one of the toughest transitions they currently face. We understand that a career in sport is an ambition for so many, but often the lack of opportunities means they can’t turn those dreams into reality. We’re hoping to inspire young people to show what they can do in sports, and through Gillette Great Starts, give them the chance to take their first steps towards a career in the industry.”