Petition · Home Office
Allow children whose parents are legally in UK to work as sports professionals
Closed
399 signatures
What the petition asks
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.
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.
Timeline
| 5 Feb 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 5 Aug 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
399
Status
Closed
Department
Home Office
Opened
5 Feb 2025
Closed
5 Aug 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 5 Aug 2026.