Allow children whose parents are legally in UK to work as sports professionals

399
signatures
closedHome OfficeOpened 5 February 2025Closed 5 August 2025

Background

Children with permission as dependents of parents who are legally in the UK on a work route, or who have settled in the UK on such a route, cannot be employed as a professional sportsperson unless they are a dependant of a person with UK ancestry.

Additional details

A child in this situation, good at football, could be discovered by a top UK professional football club but be forbidden to sign with or play for them. I urge the government to recognise and address the injustice faced by children under this policy. I think it is discriminatory, harmful, and must be abolished to ensure fairness and equality for all children. I believe allowing a minor to sign with a professional football club is not just employment but an essential educational opportunity that fosters growth, discipline, and excellence.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 708268.