The Business of Football – Details, episodes & analysis

In this exclusive episode, David engages in an insightful conversation with Christian Rose, the CEO of Power League. Christian shares his journey from a retail background to leading a football-based organization, emphasizing the importance of customer-centricity and the universal appeal of football. Christian discusses Power League's various offerings, catering to competitive players and those seeking a casual kickabout.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Customer-Centric Approach: The importance of being customer-centric is emphasized, focusing on understanding and anticipating customer needs to deliver products and services that meet those expectations. Inclusivity in Sports: Power League aims to create an inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, gender, or skill level. Initiatives are in place to encourage participation from underrepresented groups. Community Engagement: The organization actively engages with local communities by supporting charitable causes and providing opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds. Adaptation and Innovation: The introduction of paddle tennis as a new offering demonstrates the company's willingness to innovate and adapt to changing market demands, aiming to attract a broader audience and enhance the overall customer experience. Empowerment and Communication: Empowering club managers to run their locations as their own businesses fosters a culture of ownership and accountability. Regular communication and feedback loops are established to ensure that all employees feel heard and valued, contributing to a positive workplace culture. BEST MOMENTS "My whole career has been based around being customer-centric. That's putting the customers at the heart of everything we do." "One of the things that's important is, we have an epidemic in this country of childhood obesity." "I was surprised at the universal appeal... I thought it would be more cliquey." "We have an absolute policy of any abuse to another customer or player... you get a lifetime ban at Power League." "If you listen authentically to ideas, good and bad, and there are very few bad ideas."  GUESTS LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-rose-5846a14/ OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, David reflects on the intersection of passion and career in the football industry, emphasizing the unique emotional engagement that sets football apart from other businesses. Drawing on examples of C-level executives who transitioned from non-sports industries into football, such as Ivan Gazidis and Christian Perslow, the discussion highlights how their fresh perspectives and understanding of the sport's emotional weight have shaped their leadership.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Passion vs. Career in Football: There is a delicate balance between pursuing a passion for football and establishing a career in the industry. While passion is essential, it is not the sole factor in achieving success. Emotional Engagement: Football is characterized by its emotional nature, which sets it apart from other industries. Executives transitioning into football often highlight the importance of emotional engagement in their roles. Diverse Backgrounds of Executives: A significant percentage of top-tier European football club executives come from non-sports industries, such as finance and consulting. Impact of Decisions: Decisions made within football clubs have far-reaching consequences, affecting millions of fans. Understanding the emotional stakes involved can help industry professionals navigate the challenges and scrutiny that come with their roles. Staying Connected to the Game: Many individuals in football, such as coaches and analysts, seek roles that allow them to remain actively involved in the game.   BEST MOMENTS "Football is about emotion and that's what makes it different from any other business." "Football clubs are emotional institutions, not just businesses." "You can't just put football fans into that category... it's not fair to do that." "Football is not just a business, it's a passion." "The emotional engagement side of it is so, so different."   OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball   HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.    This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of the Business of Football podcast, David sits down with Konstantinos Gkortsilas, the founder and managing director of Footy Addicts, a platform designed to help individuals find and participate in social football games. Konstantinos shares insights on the positive impact of football on mental health, the challenges posed by COVID-19, and the evolving landscape of organised football. David concludes with reflections on the importance of community in football and the broader societal implications of social connections in today's world.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Community Focus: Footy Addicts was founded to address the need for social football games, particularly for individuals who lack a social network. Mental Health Awareness: The importance of mental health and social interaction has become more pronounced, especially post-COVID. Flexibility and Convenience: Footy Addicts offers a flexible and convenient way for people to play football without the pressure of formal team commitments. Evolution of Organised Football: There has been a noticeable shift towards more organised social games, with traditional affiliated games declining. Footy Player-Centric Development: The platform is focused on enhancing the player experience by providing tools and information that help players engage more effectively.   BEST MOMENTS "The whole concept of Footy Addicts is just born from a need of myself and other people who want to play social football games in an area which I didn't know enough people."  "If you are not really facing the problem, it's really hard to come up with a solution because you cannot really understand what actually involves."  "There is more benefits than the physical activity of the football itself... supporting the mental health, going outside, doing an outdoors activity, meeting new people."  "We want to open up the community on a wider level... to start onboarding people who organize already their own games on different platforms."  "You need to interact with people. You need to do your physical activity. You need to breathe fresh air."    GUESTS LINKS https://footyaddicts.com/contact   OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball   HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. 

In this episode of the Business as a Football podcast, David delves into the hidden job market within the football industry, highlighting the critical role of networking in securing job opportunities. With a striking statistic that 70% of roles are filled through referrals rather than traditional applications, David then shares personal experiences and insights, including the challenges faced when applying for competitive positions at top clubs like Manchester City. Additionally, the episode offers practical advice on how to navigate the industry, such as volunteering and joining community groups to uncover unadvertised roles.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Hidden Job Market: Approximately 70-80% of job roles in the football industry are filled through networking and referrals rather than public job postings, highlighting the importance of building connections. Networking Importance: Networking is crucial for career progression in the sports industry, with 85% of professionals indicating that it played a key role in their career advancement. Application Statistics: Only 12% of applicants secure roles through job boards or interviews, while most positions are filled through internal moves or direct referrals, emphasizing the need for personal connections. Volunteering as a Pathway: Many roles, especially in coaching and scouting, often start as unpaid or volunteer positions, which can lead to paid opportunities and valuable connections within the industry. Social Media Engagement: Candidates who engage with club staff on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter are 40% more likely to receive a response when reaching out, indicating the value of online networking in the job search process.   BEST MOMENTS "70% of job roles or job opportunities in the football industry come from referrals and only like 20 or 30% people who are actually hired have come from actually applying for a role on a website." "Top clubs receive about 500 plus applications per public role... they probably get like a thousand... and you're just thinking, you know, when I was like that, I was like, oh my God, there's a thousand other people that want the same role." "Most football clubs... get more than anything else because that role is obviously really unique. Scouts at Premier League clubs are five times more likely to be hired via recommendation than they are for an open application." "85% of sports industry professionals say that networking played a key role in their career progression... their network is effectively the reason why they've landed the role they have." "Average time spent reviewing a CV is seven seconds... it goes to show that it doesn't really work."   OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball   HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. 

In this episode of the Business as a Football podcast, David sits down with Dave Lipp, a former sports media and tech executive with an impressive background, including roles at Sky, NBC Universal, and as the business development and strategy officer at Manchester United. Dave shares insights on his transition back into sports, the significance of networking, and the challenges of working in a fast-paced football environment.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Diverse Background in Sports and Media: The guest's career began in sports with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in Canada, followed by significant roles in media at Sony Pictures, Sky, and NBCUniversal. Cultural Adaptation and Learning: Moving from North America to the UK, the guest emphasised the importance of understanding the different operational structures in football, such as the lack of salary caps and relegation, which contrasts with North American sports. Importance of Networking: Building a strong professional network was crucial for the guest, providing support and opportunities during career transitions, including the move to Manchester United. Data-Driven Fan Engagement: The guest discussed the significance of data in understanding fan behaviour and preferences, particularly for global audiences, and how this knowledge can enhance the fan experience, even for those who may never visit the stadium. Balancing Business and Fan Experience: While football clubs must generate revenue and satisfy shareholders, the guest highlighted the need for a fair relationship with fans, ensuring that their experiences and needs are prioritised in the club's commercial strategies.   BEST MOMENTS "The biggest thing to wrap your head around is just the pyramid structure of how the league operates in [the UK]. Most North American sports have cost certainty where there's a salary cap." "I always kind of wondered what life would be like in California, but no, there was a natural welcoming to the city to expats." "I think all it's gonna do is make you a more well-rounded individual in life. And that's what I think the world needs more of." "I did a lot of research too... I just became a lot more well-versed in all things United." "There's a fair and equitable relationship that can exist where there is a value exchange."   GUEST'S LINKS https://www.linkedin.com/in/davelipp/  OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball   HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.

In this episode of the Business of Football podcast, David discusses four essential non-negotiables for achieving success in the football industry: knowledge, network, mentorship, and experience. David emphasises the importance of understanding the specific role one is pursuing, whether in scouting, coaching, or other areas, and highlights how building a strong network can lead to job opportunities through referrals. David shares personal anecdotes about his own mentorship experiences and the value of actively seeking guidance from industry leaders.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Knowledge is Essential: Understanding the specific area you want to work in, such as scouting or coaching, is crucial. This includes familiarising yourself with techniques, regulations, and the history of the field to enhance your effectiveness. Build Your Network: Networking is vital in the football industry, with a significant percentage of job opportunities arising from referrals. Actively engage with industry professionals to create connections that can support your career. Seek Mentorship: Rather than directly asking someone to be your mentor, focus on building relationships through shared work experiences. Providing value to potential mentors can lead to more meaningful guidance and support. Gain Practical Experience: Hands-on experience is invaluable. Volunteering or interning allows you to apply your knowledge, expand your network, and gain insights into the industry, which can significantly enhance your career prospects. Integrate All Elements: Combining knowledge, networking, mentorship, and experience creates a strong foundation for success in the football industry.   BEST MOMENTS  "Knowing a little bit about what you're doing, the role that you're doing is absolutely vital." "Your network... is obviously massive. Who you know is really important." "Mentorship is probably something that everyone wants, but they don't really know how to get a mentor." "There's nothing better than getting your hands in, you know, straight into it and really trying to graft." "Putting all four of these practices into play... can teach you a lot about business and the industry in general."   OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball   HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. 

In this episode, David delves into the complexities of the transfer market, particularly focusing on its evolution over the past decade. Highlighting the record-breaking transfer of Neymar in 2017, the discussion explores the subsequent inflation of transfer fees and the impact of financial regulations on club spending. David also raises thought-provoking questions about the future of the transfer market, considering whether it will stabilize or continue to evolve in response to economic pressures and regulatory changes.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Impact of Neymar's Transfer: Neymar's record-breaking transfer to PSG in 2017 for €220 million marked a significant turning point in the transfer market. Inflation Trends: The average transfer fee has seen a substantial increase, rising from €3.17 million to €5.1 million between the 2013-14 and 2022-23 seasons, reflecting a 58% growth. Role of Social Media: The rise of social media has contributed to the increased hype around young players, leading to inflated transfer fees. Fans now have greater access to player highlights and performances. Financial Regulations: The tightening of financial fair play (FFP) regulations has forced clubs to be more cautious with their spending, leading to a projected 9% decline in total expenditure for the 2024-25 season. Market Recovery Potential: There is speculation about whether the transfer market will enter a recovery phase, with clubs needing to adjust their pricing strategies for young talents.   BEST MOMENTS "The transfer market is massively pivotal in the football industry and the football market." "Neymar's transfer fee was completely outrageous at the time and hasn't even come close to being broken since." "Clubs are not just able to buy whoever they want... there was going to come a time where clubs might have gone bust." "If your clubs are going bust, if your clubs are not able to run and self-sustainably run, then you've got a bigger issue." "Is it actually going towards a more sustainable price and is actually going to force clubs to be more strategic in their transfer business?"

In this episode, David shares valuable insights gained from experiences in the football business industry, particularly focusing on the importance of adaptability, networking, and learning from mistakes. Drawing from conversations with various industry professionals, David emphasizes the need to be flexible in career paths and to embrace diverse roles to build a well-rounded skill set. Networking is highlighted as a crucial element for success, with practical advice on how to effectively connect with others in the field.   KEY TAKEAWAYS  Adaptability is Crucial: Being flexible and open to taking on different roles and projects is essential in the football business industry. Build a Strong Network: Networking is vital for success in the industry. Establishing connections with people in various roles can lead to opportunities and recommendations that are crucial for career advancement. Follow Up After Networking: Simply attending networking events is not enough. It's important to follow up with contacts made during these events to build meaningful relationships and ensure that you remain memorable. Learn from Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes, and viewing them as opportunities for growth is important. Successful individuals often reflect on their errors and use those experiences to improve and avoid similar issues in the future. Diversify Your Skills: Engaging in various roles and experiences can enhance your understanding of the industry.   BEST MOMENTS "The importance of being adaptable and being flexible is key... sometimes you've got to be prepared to change." "If you don't have a good network, you shouldn't go into the industry because it's just brutally difficult." "Your network is your net worth... it is really about who you know." "If you're scared to make a mistake, then unfortunately you're not really trying." "Players make mistakes, managers make mistakes... if you're not trying then you're not going to make any mistakes but you're also not going to grow."   OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball   HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. 

In this episode of the Business of Football podcast, David sits down with Khalid Abdulrahman, the founder and chairman of Sportnaa Football Agency. Khalid shares his journey from aspiring professional footballer in Bahrain to establishing a successful agency that bridges the gap between football in the Middle East and Europe. Khalid also discusses the importance of youth development, the challenges faced by players adapting to new environments, and the ongoing efforts to enhance the Bahraini football league's professionalism and cultural significance.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Transition from Player to Agent: Khalid Abdelrahman transitioned from aspiring professional football player to founding Sport Now Football Agency after realizing the challenges of reaching top European levels. Bridging Cultures: Sport Now focuses on creating a bridge between football in the Middle East and Europe, facilitating talent identification and development through exchange programs and trials for young players. Changing Perceptions of Middle Eastern Football: The influx of high-profile players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia, has shifted perceptions, leading to increased interest from players in Europe wanting to explore opportunities in the Middle East. Cultural Adaptation for Players: Players coming to the Middle East often face cultural shocks, particularly regarding training schedules and lifestyle differences. Development of Bahraini Football: There is a growing belief in the potential of Bahraini football, with efforts underway to professionalize the league and create a stronger football culture.   BEST MOMENTS "I realized with a few trips to Europe that I will not reach the level of FC Bayern... So I was like, okay, let me do something that could get my dreams achieved, but maybe not on me, but on someone else." "After Cristiano came, he changed everything... People, they face shock. Players, they have a huge shock that they were like, there is no way this is football." "The culture is missing, and that's something they're building... There is a huge plan, big investments to create this culture." "For the first time, there was a sponsor of the league... This happened only this year." "I learned that being humble, having, you know, maintained relations, and regarding football, the way they take care of the smallest part, it's amazing."   GUEST BACKGROUND/LINKS Based in Bahrain, Khalid also had the ambition of becoming a professional footballer. Once he realised this was not possible, he set his sights on turning the foundations of his passion for football into supporting others in their goals through founding Sportnaa Football Agency. The talent agency focuses on providing trials & Elite Development & Training programmes for young aspiring footballers across the Middle East & Europe, with their talent camps in countries such as Spain, Germany, the UAE & Saudi Arabia, pushing players to the required level of International football. https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-abdulrahman-47235a208/   OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball   HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains.

In this episode of the Business of Football podcast, David invites Matovu Jovin, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Ugandan Premier League, Motovu shares insights into his role and vision for transforming the league into a prominent division in African football. Since joining in March 2024,  Matovu has discussed the importance of building a strong community connection, the significance of branding in sports, and the strategies being implemented to attract fans and sponsors. With upcoming events like AFCON 2025, Matovu emphasizes the potential for growth and the excitement surrounding Ugandan football, while also highlighting the need for sustainable financial practices within clubs.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Brand Importance: The brand of the Uganda Premier League is crucial for attracting stakeholders, including fans, sponsors, and investors. Grassroots Engagement: Building a sustainable fan base involves nurturing grassroots programs. Initiatives like engaging schools and universities, offering free access to games, and creating mentorship programs are essential for developing future fans and players. Community Involvement: The league aims to give back to the community by encouraging clubs to engage with local populations. International Networking: Establishing relationships with other leagues and international organizations is vital for growth. Vision for the Future: The goal is to see Ugandan players succeed on global platforms, with clubs becoming financially self-sustaining through player exports.   BEST MOMENTS "The actual product that you are selling is the brand... What comes to mind when somebody hears the Uganda Premier League?" "Charity begins at home. Even the English Premier League first became big at home before it went global." "For any product or brand or service to grow, you must nurture your own market." "The history that is there... the clubs weren't being funded by anyone. They were funded by communities." "I want to see our players be on the big global market... I would also be proud seeing all our clubs financially sustaining themselves."   GUEST BACKGROUND Matovu works as the Chief Commercial Officer of the Ugandan Premier League in Africa, and he has taken the role of introducing the league to the global game through networking and co-partnerships with International Leagues. His drive is to push the League further, and our conversation was about the progress of the league.    OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball   HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetize & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.