Kindred is further enhancing its partnership with Scottish football team Rangers FC, as well as its group ambition of ‘Journey towards Zero’ through a new educational initiative.
To be led by safer gambling consultancy EPIC Risk Management, the Kindred-funded gambling education sessions have been designed specifically for players and staff at the Scottish Premiership team to provide independent gambling guidance.
The sessions will be bespoke, tailored to individual needs, featuring insights from former football players who have experienced gambling-related issues, including some who have played at international level.
Rangers’ men’s first team, B-team and women’s teams will participate, while selected academy cohorts will take part separately.
“Kindred wants to run a sustainable business built on people enjoying themselves safely. That’s why we have reaffirmed our commitment not only to this project with Rangers but to our “Journey towards Zero” too,” commented Sam Mead, UK General Manager at Kindred.
“Added to that, we are investing in our technology stack to further develop our sophisticated detection software. This, allied with a greater emphasis on education and safer gambling messaging, will help Kindred drive forward its industry-leading model of sponsorship that is benefitting clubs and their communities.”
Kindred has been a partner with Rangers for the past ten years. This season, the group focused itsr front-of-shirt sponsorship on its “Zero % Mission” which is the group’s ‘Journey towards Zero’ of reaching a point over time where zero per cent of the revenue is generated from harmful gambling.
The announcement of the gambling education sessions also falls on Safer Gambling Week in the UK, during which many gambling industry stakeholders are coming together to highlight the resources available to players to help them stay in control of their gambling as well as provide them with advice.
Karim Virani, Chief Commercial Officer at Rangers FC, stated: “We realise the importance of safeguarding our players and staff and allowing them to discuss issues relating to the sector in a welcoming and understanding environment.
“That the sessions are led by former football players is a big advantage, going beyond discussing the rule book and adding that key element of relatability. We’re grateful to Kindred – with whom we have a positive, long-term relationship – for funding the sessions that are helping us lead the way in Scotland on this matter.”
Michelle Evans, Senior Sports Partnerships Manager at EPIC Risk Management, added: “Education is at the heart of EPIC’s offering, underpinned by real-life experiences from those who have lived experience of gambling-related harm.
“We recognise the importance of the sector to the UK’s leisure industry, and we’re dedicated to providing a bespoke, holistic service that allows participants to share and discuss matters in a safe way. We’re delighted that Rangers are the latest high-profile football club to recognise the importance of protecting their players and staff through preventative education.”
