Today’s episode, I’m joined by Chris Busey.

Chris is vice president of DEI & Community Impact at the United Soccer League.

A league which recently launched its signature diversity, equity and inclusion program: USL Forward. This multi-dimensional, leaguewide initiative prioritizes professional development for technical staff, league and club executives with the intention of increasing racial and gender diversity in leadership roles throughout the USL’s ecosystem.

Having previously spent time in academia, including at Texas State and the University of Florida, where he was an assistant and then associate professor, Busey only more recently made the move over to the world of professional sport, an area that he describes as the ‘last frontier'.

Time Stamps

4:00 - Chris’ Journey from Academia to the USL

6:00 - The DEI Backlash 

10:00 - Applying an Understanding of Racial Tensions to a Professional Sporting Environment

17:00 - The 'Danny Rose' Example

21:00 - Applying the Theories Beyond Head Coaching Roles 

24:00 - Addressing the Idea of a "Business Case" for DEI

28:00 - What About Diversity of Thought and Experience? 

31:00 - Debunking the 'Box Ticking' Argument

36:00 - The USL Forward Program Explained

38:00 - The Importance of 'Equity'

40:00 - Magnifying Mistakes

United Soccer League Launches USL Forward to Increase Access and Opportunity Across USL Ecosystem

Dr. Christopher Busey on USL's Initiatives: Making Soccer Inclusive and Diverse | Morning Footy on CBS Sports Golazo

Making Diversity and Inclusion in Football a lot less Merky 

Getting Serious About Diversity: Enough Already with the Business Case
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here