Lyle & Scott in skills, employment initiative with Rio Ferdinand Foundation

British heritage fashion brand Lyle & Scott is expanding its commitment to community projects joining with The Rio Ferdinand Foundation to “drive social mobility and inspire positive change across the UK and Ireland”. 

It “unites two organisations with a shared commitment to tackling inequality and creating meaningful pathways for young people from underrepresented communities to achieve their full potential”.

Through the collaboration, Lyle & Scott will support the Foundation’s mission “providing vital resources to enhance employability and skills development” while also “opening doors to careers in the creative and fashion industries”.

Over the next 12 months, the partnership will deliver a series of experiential opportunities, connecting young people with influential figures across art, fashion, sport, and music. The initiative will also provide work placements and paid internships in roles ranging from graphic design and social media management to retail and fashion design.

As part of the collaboration, Lyle & Scott’s ‘Kits for Clubs’ initiative will distribute sports kits to community clubs engaged in Rio Ferdinand Foundation programmes across the UK, Ireland, and South Africa — “further strengthening community engagement and participation in sport”.

Luis Gunn, senior business director – Brand and Product for Lyle & Scott, added: “We believe community starts from the ground up. In football with ‘Kits for Clubs’, fashion with ‘Levels’ and music and culture with ‘Wear it your way’, we aim to empower the next generation to express themselves, build confidence, and create real change in their own communities.”