Business News Education & Events Labels & Publishers

Warner Music UK extends partnership with Rio Ferdinand Foundation

By Chris Cooke | Published on Thursday 9 March 2023

Warner Music UK has announced a renewal of its partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, which runs various educational and development programmes for young people interested in careers in music or football.

Among other things, Warner provides internships and mentors as part of those programmes and, as a result of this renewal, will continue to be involved for the next three years.

Says Ferdinand: “Football and music are two creative mediums that bring people together from a wide range of cultures and life experiences. It humbles me how well Warner Music understands the importance of hosting these experiences for our youth networks and linking them with local communities”.

“It’s truly great to be officially extending the project with Warner Music to the end of 2025”, he goes on, “together we’ll be able to go forward to discover and enable the next generation of leaders”.

Warner Music UK CEO Tony Harlow adds: “The Rio Ferdinand Foundation is an impeccable partner; they truly understand and share our passion for levelling-up youth networks with their local communities across the UK and Ireland”.

“We’re striving to bring together the cultural overlaps and opportunities in football and music”, he continues. “And after a brilliant pilot event in London last year, I’m looking forward to getting the tour on the road and seeing our Warner Music teams visit counties that are bursting with young talent but often overlooked and underfunded”.

Bauer Media’s Kiss radio station is now also involved in the Foundation’s work, providing support through its editorial and content team.