[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":64},["ShallowReactive",2],{"story-test-story-1-2-live":3},{"entries":4,"success":63},[5],{"id":6,"title":7,"slug":8,"uri":9,"summary":10,"postDate":11,"primaryImage":12,"heroImage":22,"heroVideo":28,"heroVideoMobile":29,"article":30},"4859","Ayo’s success through the #MerkyFC initiative","test-story-1-2","stories/test-story-1-2","Ayo joined KSS as the first-ever #MerkyFC placement, using the opportunity to develop his creative skills, broaden his experience and establish a career in the industry.","2025-11-21T14:17:00+00:00",[13],{"id":14,"url":15,"transformedUrl":16,"hasFocalPoint":17,"focalPoint":18,"width":20,"height":21},"15454",null,"https://imagedelivery.net/3QPtJdzWzWgsC5-X60hK1g/716cda51-52bf-40bb-228f-6131e1231c00/width=1600,fit=crop,gravity=0.5x0.5",false,[19,19],0.5,10500,5727,[23],{"id":14,"url":15,"transformedUrl":24,"hasFocalPoint":17,"focalPoint":25,"width":26,"height":27,"originalWidth":20,"originalHeight":21},"https://imagedelivery.net/3QPtJdzWzWgsC5-X60hK1g/716cda51-52bf-40bb-228f-6131e1231c00/width=1920,height=1080,fit=crop,gravity=0.5x0.5",[19,19],1920,1080,[],[],[31,39,43,47,51,55,59],{"id":32,"typeHandle":33,"heading":34,"body":35,"ctaLink":37},"4860","text","Ayo and the #MerkyFC initiative",{"rawHtml":36},"\u003Cp>Ayo joined KSS as the first-ever #MerkyFC placement, using the opportunity to develop his creative skills, broaden his experience and establish a career in the industry.\u003C/p>",{"url":38},"https://youtu.be/M4Ycd6VpROc",{"id":40,"typeHandle":33,"heading":15,"body":41,"ctaLink":15},"18139",{"rawHtml":42},"\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>What initially attracted you to the #MerkyFC career programme and what were your expectations going in?\u003C/strong> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>What attracted me most to the #MerkyFC programme was the opportunity to gain real industry experience while working in an environment that genuinely champions young talent from diverse backgrounds. As someone with a passion for sport, the chance to join KSS felt like the perfect opportunity to develop my skills and learn from experienced professionals. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>I was also proud to become the first #MerkyFC hire placed within any company through the programme, which made the opportunity feel even more significant and motivated me to make the most of it. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Going in, I hoped to gain practical experience and a better understanding of the industry. What I didn't expect was how much responsibility and trust I would be given from the outset, and how quickly I would become part of the team. \u003C/p>",{"id":44,"typeHandle":33,"heading":15,"body":45,"ctaLink":15},"18140",{"rawHtml":46},"\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>How has your role evolved since joining, both creatively and professionally?\u003C/strong> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Since joining KSS, my role has evolved significantly. I've had the opportunity to work across a diverse range of projects while expanding my creative and professional skills. One of my earliest experiences was contributing to concepts for Liverpool FC's Anfield Road Stand, which gave me valuable insight into how ideas are transformed into real-world projects. I worked alongside historians, designers and project teams, learning how architecture connects with heritage, storytelling and fan experience. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Over time, my responsibilities expanded into portfolio management, photography and content creation. I also became the photographer for AFC Wimbledon's new stand project. Throughout this journey, I've learned from colleagues across the practice, gaining knowledge and experience that has helped shape my career and personal growth. \u003C/p>",{"id":48,"typeHandle":33,"heading":15,"body":49,"ctaLink":15},"18141",{"rawHtml":50},"\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>How did the #MerkyFC programme support your development beyond just job experience?\u003C/strong> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>The programme gave me so much more than professional experience. It helped me grow as a person. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Through opportunities such as appearing on the Diverse Podcast for #MerkyFC applicants, attending events and connecting with people from different backgrounds, I became far more confident in myself and my abilities. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>The programme opened doors that I never thought would be possible and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. Combined with the support I've received at KSS, it has genuinely helped shape who I am today. \u003C/p>",{"id":52,"typeHandle":33,"heading":15,"body":53,"ctaLink":15},"18142",{"rawHtml":54},"\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>What advice would you give to someone from a similar background who wants to break into football or the creative industry? \u003C/strong> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Keep creating, keep learning and keep putting your work out there. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Don't be afraid to reach out to people, ask questions or create opportunities for yourself. At the same time, remember not to burn yourself out. It's important to understand your strengths, develop them and give yourself space to enjoy the process. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Most importantly, don't be afraid to try new things. Some of the opportunities that have shaped my career came from stepping outside my comfort zone and saying yes to something unfamiliar.\u003C/p>",{"id":56,"typeHandle":33,"heading":15,"body":57,"ctaLink":15},"18143",{"rawHtml":58},"\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>You had the opportunity to play at Old Trafford with Stormzy, how special was that experience and what did it mean to you?\u003C/strong> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>It was an incredible experience and one I'll never forget. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Through the #MerkyFC programme I had the opportunity to travel to adidas HQ during the Women's World Cup, participate in events, attend the opening of Merky HQ and feature in advertising for the second season of #MerkyFC. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Playing at Old Trafford alongside Stormzy was one of those moments that felt surreal. It showed me just how powerful opportunities like #MerkyFC can be and how they can open doors far beyond a traditional placement. \u003C/p>",{"id":60,"typeHandle":33,"heading":15,"body":61,"ctaLink":15},"18144",{"rawHtml":62},"\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>What are your career aspirations moving forward? \u003C/strong> \u003C/p>\u003Cp>My goal is to continue expanding my skillset and establishing myself within KSS. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>I want to see the projects I'm working on develop and come to life, while continuing to explore creative disciplines such as photography and motion graphics. Sport remains a huge passion of mine, and I would love to continue working within that environment while broadening my creative expertise. \u003C/p>\u003Cp>Ultimately, I want to keep learning, keep creating and continue building a career that combines my interests in design, storytelling and sport. \u003C/p>",true,1791206072917]