Pitch Perfect: A Decade of Tackling Sectarianism Through Student Innovation

City students stand with Cairn Primary school children learning about their campaign (Image Nil by Mouth)

We are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pitch Perfect, our innovative campaign tackling sectarian attitudes in football. In partnership with equality charity Nil by Mouth and backed by UEFA, this initiative has empowered over 1,000 students, equipping them with essential skills while addressing an important social issue.

Through Pitch Perfect, our students develop marketing campaigns that challenge sectarian behaviour and promote inclusivity. They present their ideas to a panel of industry experts, with past judges including comic book creator Mark Millar and BBC Scotland presenter Annie McGuire. The winning campaign is commissioned by Nil by Mouth, bringing student creativity to life in real-world settings.

Over the years, Pitch Perfect has produced powerful and influential campaigns, such as 2017’s ‘Just the Tip of the Iceberg,’ ‘Kiss Bigotry Goodbye,’ which engaged thousands of football fans online, and ‘Sectarianism is a Turn Off,’ exploring how sectarian language and online content affect relationships. Last year’s winning campaign, ‘Put a Sock in Sectarianism,’ is now being used in schools across Lanarkshire, demonstrating the lasting impact of our students’ work.

Providing real-world learning experiences is at the heart of Pitch Perfect. Amanda McSorley, Curriculum Head of Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations, highlights its value:

“Pitch Perfect gives students a unique opportunity to work on a campaign that tackles a complex issue, engaging them in meaningful discussions. Over six months, they collaborate with industry professionals, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical experience. Working with Nil by Mouth, they gain not only employability skills but also motivation, confidence, and professional insights into marketing.”

Industry professionals also praise the competition. Emily McGowan, owner of McGowan Marketing and head judge, says:

“This competition challenges young creatives and helps them develop essential career skills. We want students to be bold and embrace big ideas, and Pitch Perfect encourages just that. It’s also wonderful to see the lecturers’ pride in their students. I wish something like this had been available when I was starting out!”

For students, the experience is transformative. Phillipa Lynas, our 2024 winner, shares her thoughts:

“Pitch Perfect has been a highlight of my time at college. It allowed me to sharpen my skills, collaborate with my team, and gain real-world experience in designing, pitching, and launching a campaign. I now feel more confident in my future career.”

As we celebrate a decade of Pitch Perfect, City of Glasgow College remains committed to fostering creativity, innovation, and social responsibility. With the continued support of our partners and the enthusiasm of our talented students, we look forward to another decade of inspiring change and tackling sectarianism head-on.