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

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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.

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.

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    This petition will stay open until 5 August 2025.